De verloren zoon / L'enfant prodigue 1800 - 1833

This is a print made by Philippus Jacobus Brepols, illustrating the parable of the prodigal son. The narrative unfolds in a series of panels, each filled with symbolic gestures. Note, in particular, the recurring motif of embrace. It appears when the son leaves, severing ties, and again upon his return, signaling reconciliation. The embrace here transcends mere physical contact; it embodies profound emotional and psychological states—rupture and reunion, despair and hope. Consider how this gesture echoes across time. The embrace appears in ancient Roman funerary art, signifying farewell, and in countless religious paintings depicting forgiveness and divine love. Its persistence speaks to a deep-seated human need for connection, a longing that resides in our collective memory. The emotional power of this image lies in its ability to tap into these primal feelings, reminding us of the cyclical nature of life, loss, and redemption. The prodigal son's journey resonates not just as a biblical tale but as a reflection of our own human experiences.