Rembrandt's "The Return of the Prodigal Son": A Meditation on Forgiveness

The Return of the Prodigal Son by Rembrandt

The Return of the Prodigal Son is an oil painting by Rembrandt, part of the collection of the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg. It is among the Dutch master's final works, likely completed within two years of his death in 1669. Depicting the moment of the prodigal son's return to his father in the Biblical parable, it is a renowned work described by art historian Kenneth Clark as "a picture which those who have seen the original in St. Petersburg may be forgiven for claiming as the greatest picture ever painted".

In the painting, the son has returned home in a wretched state from travels in which he has wasted his inheritance and fallen into poverty and despair. He kneels before his father in repentance, wishing for forgiveness and the position of a servant in his father's household, having realized that even his father's servants had a better station in life than he.

The father, who is dressed in rich clothing, is shown embracing his son with open arms. His face is filled with love and compassion, and his eyes are glistening with tears. The son, on the other hand, is shown with his head down, his face hidden in his father's chest. He is clearly ashamed of his actions, but he is also grateful for his father's forgiveness.

The painting is a powerful and moving depiction of the father's love for his son, and the son's repentance. It is a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and the power of love.

The painting is also notable for its use of light and shadow. The father and son are bathed in a warm light, while the rest of the painting is shrouded in darkness. This creates a sense of intimacy and focus, drawing the viewer's attention to the central figures.

The Return of the Prodigal Son is a masterpiece of Dutch Golden Age painting. It is a powerful and moving work that has been admired by people for centuries. It is a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and the power of love.

Here are some additional details about the painting:

• The painting is oil on canvas and measures 262 x 205 cm.
• It was painted in the late 1660s, likely within two years of Rembrandt's death in 1669.
• The painting is currently on display at the Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia.
• The painting is based on the parable of the Prodigal Son, which is found in the Gospel of Luke.
• The parable tells the story of a young man who squanders his inheritance and then returns home to his father, who forgives him.
• The painting is a powerful and moving depiction of the father's love for his son, and the son's repentance.
• It is a reminder of the importance of forgiveness and the power of love.