Plaque with the Return of the Prodigal Son c. 1740 - 1770

This tin-glazed earthenware plaque depicts The Return of the Prodigal Son and was created by an anonymous artist. The scene represented here is a well-known parable, and was often depicted in art of the period. The visual codes clearly reference the Dutch Golden Age. The architecture, the clothing and the aesthetic values, all point to this time and place. The choice of this theme reflects on moral values that were important in Dutch society at the time – forgiveness, redemption, and family unity. As art historians, we must dig a little deeper. The way that the figures are represented, with their attention to detail and naturalism, and the use of perspective to create a sense of depth, reflects specific artistic conventions of the period. By looking at similar artworks and historical records, we can better understand the social and cultural context in which it was created, and the messages it was intended to convey.