The Prodigal Son

Print

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Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image intricately illustrates the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, where the central scene showcases the father embracing his returning son amidst a vibrant rural setting, flanked by smaller scenes depicting the son's life journey; on the left, he is seen seeking adventure and distancing himself from home, while at the top right, his indulgence in excess and eventual squandering of wealth is portrayed, followed by a subsequent humbling period of poverty as he tends to pigs.

The image intricately illustrates the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, where the central scene showcases the father embracing his returning son amidst a vibrant rural setting, flanked by smaller scenes depicting the son's life journey; on the left, he is seen seeking adventure and distancing himself from home, while at the top right, his indulgence in excess and eventual squandering of wealth is portrayed, followed by a subsequent humbling period of poverty as he tends to pigs.

Name/Title

The Prodigal Son

Entry/Object ID

2009.1.1

Description

Five colorful panels depicting the story of the Prodigal Son. These panels are surrounded by colorful patterned borders and small scenes.

Type of Print

Screenprint

Category

Biblical, Biblical People, Animals, New Testament, On-Display at Calvin University
People

Made/Created

Artist

John August Swanson

Date made

1984

Dimensions

Dimension Description

image size

Height

23-3/4 in

Width

36 in

Dimension Description

frame size

Height

32-3/4 in

Width

44-3/4 in

Exhibitions

Prodigal Son: January 7 - February 7, 2009 Center Art Gallery, Calvin College:
Loan - Prodigal @ Hope Reformed Church – Grand Rapids, MI: February 26 – April 23, 2009

General Notes

Note

Expanded Wall Label: The central panel depicts the return of the Prodigal Son to his father. The background is a farm busy at harvest time. The two panels on the left picture the son leaving home and his arrival in the city. The two panels on the right picture the son losing his inheritance and after he has squandered all his money, he works as a swineherder. The border consists of scenes that complete the narrative. There is also a decorative border of boxes using shafts of wheat for a motif.