The departure of the prodigal son, shown at about to mount his horse, from a series of four prints 1600 - 1650

Editor: This etching, "The Departure of the Prodigal Son," by Pietro Testa, made sometime between 1600 and 1650, shows the moment the son leaves home. The detailed lines really bring out the tense atmosphere. It looks like a pivotal moment for the characters. What's your interpretation of this piece, considering its historical context? Curator: Well, the story of the Prodigal Son was hugely popular in the 17th century, seen as a metaphor for repentance and forgiveness. Testa's choice to depict the *departure*, however, shifts the focus. Instead of divine grace, we see the disruption of the family unit, reflecting societal anxieties about social mobility and the challenging of patriarchal norms that emerged with the growth of urban centers. Note the weary expressions on the father’s face and his companions at the doorway, as opposed to the eager workers preparing the horses. Editor: So you're saying the scene isn't just a simple Bible story? It shows something about the anxieties of society back then? Curator: Exactly. The print itself is a commercial object; it’s a representation consumed by a growing middle class who are probably dealing with these kinds of issues themselves. The artist’s choice to emphasize this moment suggests he’s aiming to engage with those anxieties, making the scene more about social commentary than religious dogma. How does knowing that influence how you view the art? Editor: It's less of a clear-cut moral lesson and more of a reflection of the complex relationships within families, altered and strained by cultural changes and new values. That's much more interesting. Thank you! Curator: It certainly makes me think about who might have bought and displayed such a work back then and the conversations it might have sparked. A powerful piece of social history!