The Prodigal Son 1888

Editor: This is John Macallan Swan's "The Prodigal Son," currently held at the Tate. It feels overwhelmingly melancholic. What do you see in this piece that I might be missing? Curator: The Prodigal Son is a potent symbol, isn't it? Swan uses the visual language of repentance. Notice the man's posture – head bowed, almost fetal. This echoes a psychological return to a state of dependence. Editor: Yes, I see it, a return to origins. Curator: Indeed! And the pigs? In many cultures, they represent degradation, impurity. His return is not just physical, but a reclaiming of his spiritual self. Editor: So, it’s about recognizing those symbols to understand his journey. Thanks, that's given me a richer perspective. Curator: Precisely! And it enriches the timeless narrative of fall and redemption.