De verloren zoon als varkenshoeder 1616 - 1669

Theodoor van Thulden's "De verloren zoon als varkenshoeder" (The Prodigal Son as a Swineherd) is a 17th-century etching that depicts a scene from the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son. The artwork portrays the prodigal son sitting dejectedly under a tree, surrounded by pigs, reflecting on his past mistakes and the consequences of his actions. The composition's dramatic use of light and shadow, combined with the melancholic figure of the prodigal son, emphasizes the theme of repentance and redemption, making it a powerful and moving portrayal of a universal human experience. The artwork’s small dimensions, 137 mm by 102 mm, emphasize its intimate and personal nature. The etching style contributes to the artwork's somber mood, highlighting the story's theme of the prodigal son's desolation.