Der verlorene Sohn im Bordell c. 1636 - 1639

Ferdinand Bol's "Der verlorene Sohn im Bordell" (c. 1636-1639) is a pen and brown ink drawing that depicts a scene of revelry. The composition features a young man embracing a woman, while a nude man plays a lute and a woman sits beside him. The drawing is characterized by its expressive lines and loose, gestural style, which reflects Bol's training under Rembrandt. This drawing is a study for a larger painting, providing insight into Bol's artistic process and his fascination with the themes of vice and virtue. The work can be viewed at the Städel Museum.