The Prodigal Son in a House of Ill Repute 1631 - 1641

Abraham Bosse's etching, "The Prodigal Son in a House of Ill Repute" (1631-1641), depicts a scene from the biblical parable. The prodigal son, dressed in lavish attire, is surrounded by women in a brothel. The etching is a powerful commentary on the dangers of vice, emphasizing the moral decay associated with the prodigal son's actions. Bosse, a renowned French engraver, uses detailed lines and rich shadows to create a sense of depth and atmosphere in this dramatic narrative etching. This work, now held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, offers a fascinating glimpse into 17th-century morality and the artist's skillful rendering of social commentary.