The return of the Prodigal Son 1650 - 1700

"The Return of the Prodigal Son" is an anonymous etching created sometime between 1650 and 1700, now housed at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The etching depicts the biblical parable of the prodigal son, where a father welcomes his repentant son home with open arms after he has spent his inheritance on a life of debauchery. The scene is full of emotion, with the father's embrace conveying both joy and forgiveness. The etching, a popular subject in art throughout history, provides a powerful visual representation of the parable, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and redemption.