De verloren zoon als zwijnenhoeder 18th century

This 18th-century engraving by Italian artist Giovanni Volpato depicts the biblical parable of the prodigal son. The scene shows the son, seated amidst a herd of pigs, embodying the low point of his journey. Volpato's meticulous detail brings the story to life, with the son's despair evident in his posture, and the pigs symbolizing his moral decline. The intricate decorative border adds to the richness of the image, further emphasizing the parable's theme of repentance and redemption. The artwork, currently held at the Rijksmuseum, serves as a visual reminder of the enduring power of religious narratives.