The Prodigal Son 1655

Salvator Rosa's "The Prodigal Son" (1655) is a powerful depiction of the biblical parable. The kneeling figure, clad in rags, gazes upwards with a sense of deep sorrow and repentance. Surrounded by a herd of animals, the scene evokes the young man's humbling experience after squandering his inheritance. Rosa's masterful use of light and shadow creates a dramatic and emotive atmosphere, highlighting the protagonist's emotional turmoil and the stark contrast between his former life of luxury and his current state of poverty. This painting, now housed in the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, is a testament to Rosa's skill in capturing human emotion and conveying a profound religious narrative.