The Departure of the Prodigal Son c. 1912 - 1913

"The Departure of the Prodigal Son" is a poignant etching by Jean-Louis Forain from circa 1912-1913. The artwork depicts a heartfelt scene of a young man, the prodigal son, taking leave of his parents as he embarks on a journey. The composition focuses on the emotional weight of the moment, characterized by the close-up figures and the delicate, expressive lines of Forain's distinctive style. The scene is subtly rendered in shades of gray, adding to the melancholy ambiance. The artist's masterful use of line and shading captures the raw emotions of departure, leaving viewers to contemplate the complexities of familial relationships and the bittersweet nature of life's transitions.