The Prodigal Son

Print

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Calvin University Center Art Gallery

In the vibrant and colorful depiction of the Prodigal Son, the central scene illustrates the moment of reconciliation, where the son, in tattered clothes, is warmly embraced by his jubilant father amidst a lively agricultural backdrop with figures and animals. Surrounding this central image are narrative panels that tell the parable's story; on the left, the son departs for a distant city, engaging in revelry, while on the right, he is shown in despair, feeding pigs.

In the vibrant and colorful depiction of the Prodigal Son, the central scene illustrates the moment of reconciliation, where the son, in tattered clothes, is warmly embraced by his jubilant father amidst a lively agricultural backdrop with figures and animals. Surrounding this central image are narrative panels that tell the parable's story; on the left, the son departs for a distant city, engaging in revelry, while on the right, he is shown in despair, feeding pigs.

Name/Title

The Prodigal Son

Entry/Object ID

1987.8.1

Description

Colorful, five panel depiction of the Prodigal Son journey away from and back toward his father, with middle (largest) panel depicting the reunion.

Type of Print

Screenprint

Category

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

Made/Created

Artist

John August Swanson

Date made

1984

Dimensions

Dimension Description

image size

Height

23-3/4 in

Width

36-1/4 in

Dimension Description

frame size

Height

32-3/4 in

Width

44-3/4 in

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.