The Prodigal Son 1622

Gerard van Honthorst's "The Prodigal Son" (1622) depicts a scene from the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son. The painting utilizes chiaroscuro, a technique that contrasts light and shadow, to create a dramatic and atmospheric setting. The central figure, the prodigal son, lies on a table surrounded by others, highlighting his vulnerability and the joy of his return. Honthorst was a leading figure in the Dutch Caravaggist movement, known for their use of dramatic lighting and realism.