The Prodigal Son (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ) 1864

This black and white print, made by Sir John Everett Millais in the 19th century, captures a scene from the Bible. The story goes that a son returns home after squandering his inheritance. This piece is not about the overt symbols, but how it was produced. Millais employed wood engraving, a relief printing technique using very hard wood. Look closely and you'll see the intricate network of lines and dots, all carefully carved by a skilled artisan. This wasn't just about replicating an image. Wood engraving was a labor-intensive process, demanding precision and expertise. The craft was deeply rooted in the printing industry, serving to illustrate books and periodicals for a growing literate public. Millais’ choice of this medium speaks volumes. The Prodigal Son becomes not just a religious allegory, but a testament to the value of work and the power of forgiveness. It reminds us that meaning is not just found in the image itself, but in the very act of its creation.