Return of the Prodigal Son 1618

"Return of the Prodigal Son" (1618) by Peter Paul Rubens depicts a scene from the biblical parable. The prodigal son, emaciated and clothed in rags, kneels before his father, who embraces him with joy. Rubens's masterful use of light and shadow creates a dramatic contrast between the son's poverty and the father's wealth. The scene is set in a stable, with animals surrounding the two figures, symbolizing the son's former life of sin. This powerful and moving painting is a testament to Rubens's skill as a painter and his ability to capture the essence of a biblical story.