The Prodigal Son Taking Leave of His Father c. 1815

"The Prodigal Son Taking Leave of His Father" is a watercolor painting by Mary Ann Willson, created around 1815. The painting depicts a scene from the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, where the son is shown taking leave of his father. The scene is set in a simple interior, with a few figures including a dog, and a birdcage hanging from the ceiling. The painting's style is characterized by its simple forms, bright colors, and naive depiction of perspective. The work reflects the folk art tradition of the time, particularly its focus on narrative and everyday life. It is also significant for its depiction of a woman artist working in a traditionally male-dominated genre.