Verloren Zoon als veehoeder 1572 - 1589

This is a drawing of the Prodigal Son as a swineherd by Jonas Silber, who was active in the late 16th century. At its heart lies the figure of the son, kneeling in repentance among swine. The son's gesture of prayer, with hands clasped, echoes across time, recalling ancient Roman supplication, where outstretched hands signified surrender to a higher power. But here, the pose has been inverted to show submission to the divine. The motif of the pig is central to the narrative. These animals were seen as symbols of baseness and impurity in both Jewish and Christian traditions. By placing the son in their midst, Silber underscores the depth of his degradation. These symbols carry a potent emotional charge. The viewer is invited to empathize with his despair, to recognize the universal human capacity for both sin and redemption. The Prodigal Son’s story returns throughout history, a potent reminder of humanity’s cyclical journey through folly and wisdom.