The prodigal son 1858

Albrecht Anker's 1858 painting, "The Prodigal Son", depicts a somber figure seated on a rock, reflecting upon his past actions. The young man is clothed in rags, with only a tattered cloak and a red garment clinging to his body, symbolizing his fall from grace. The staff and the sheepskin he holds suggest a life of hardship and toil, mirroring the biblical parable of the prodigal son. Anker, renowned for his realistic portrayals of rural life, captures the emotional depth of the subject, inviting viewers to contemplate the themes of repentance and redemption.