The return of the prodigal son 1636

Rembrandt van Rijn's etching, "The Return of the Prodigal Son," created in 1636, depicts a poignant scene from the biblical parable. The composition focuses on the emotional reunion of a father and his prodigal son, who has returned home after squandering his inheritance. The father, full of compassion, embraces his son with open arms, while the younger son kneels in humility. The etching masterfully captures the depth of emotion through the use of light and shadow, emphasizing the dramatic contrast between the father's forgiving love and the son's remorse.