The Prodigal Son as a Swineherd c. 1571

Curator: Here we have a print called "The Prodigal Son as a Swineherd," attributed to Hans Collaert the Elder. It depicts a scene from the biblical parable. Editor: My first impression is one of stark contrast. On one side, we see squalor, and on the other, a distant vision of home and potential reconciliation. Curator: Indeed. This piece offers a powerful commentary on societal outcasts, using the Prodigal Son to explore themes of destitution, repentance, and the possibility of redemption within a rigid social hierarchy. Editor: It’s interesting how Collaert uses the pigs not just as a sign of the son's degradation, but also as a reflection of the social stigma and the dehumanization he experiences. Curator: It is a reminder of how economic hardship can intersect with moral judgment, leaving individuals vulnerable to exploitation and social exclusion. Editor: Considering the image, its reproduction in print form suggests its intended audience might have been broader than a wealthy elite. Curator: A point well taken. It speaks to the potential for these images to circulate and shape a shared understanding of moral tales. Editor: Thinking about Collaert's representation and its place in the historical narrative allows us to question how we, even today, construct our own contemporary parables of success and failure.