The Reconciliation
In a vibrant and expressive scene reminiscent of the biblical Parable of the Prodigal Son, an elderly man in a luxurious red and yellow coat embraces a raggedly dressed young man with tattered clothing, symbolizing a heartfelt reconciliation; behind them, a group of onlookers, including elegantly dressed women adorned with feathered hats and men in elaborate attire, watches the emotional reunion with varied expressions, while colorful flowers and an inscription in the sky add depth to the narrative depicted.
Name/Title
The ReconciliationEntry/Object ID
2015.30.1Description
The print was published as a political parable on the New Union Act of 1706 - reuniting by this act the Kingdom of England with the Kingdom of Scotland, creating "Great Britain". On the ribbon of a doubtful parliamentarian is stated: Britain's best Hope! On the step in the background is Queen Anne of England, who has just becoming Queen of Great Britain and she us joyfully spreading her arms to welcome her lost son, Scotland. The print is political satire on the reconciliation between King George III and his son the Prince of Wales (the future George IV). The print draws a parallel to the Parable of the Prodigal Son as told in Luke 15. The biblical parable told by evangelist Luke, tells the story of the two sons. The younger squanders his heritage, while the older stays home solidly. When the destitute and impoverished brother returns home and their father takes him joyfully to his chest, glad to see him back, the virtuous brother grumbles, expecting his father to chide the prodigal son. But the father celebrates his son's return with a feast. Under the print's image are the words, “The Reconciliation,” with text from Luke 15:20. “And he arose and came to his father and his father saw him and had compassion and ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.”Type of Print
EngravingArtwork Details
Medium
hand-colored copper engravingCategory
Vault, Biblical, Biblical People, New Testament, Architecture, Historical
People