Prodigal Son

Painting

-

Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The colorful illustration depicts the story of the Prodigal Son in an abstract and contemporary style, where a cartoonish figure, representing the son, is surrounded by expressive imagery, including two pigs, symbolizing his descent into hardship after squandering his allowance on entertainment and indulgence. The text at the top recounts his journey, highlighting his eventual plight in a pigsty. The vivid watercolor background enhances the chaotic and lively atmosphere, contrasting with the somber message.

The colorful illustration depicts the story of the Prodigal Son in an abstract and contemporary style, where a cartoonish figure, representing the son, is surrounded by expressive imagery, including two pigs, symbolizing his descent into hardship after squandering his allowance on entertainment and indulgence. The text at the top recounts his journey, highlighting his eventual plight in a pigsty. The vivid watercolor background enhances the chaotic and lively atmosphere, contrasting with the somber message.

Name/Title

Prodigal Son

Entry/Object ID

2009.1.19

Description

Realistic and childlike drawings depict the son in the pig pen. Two of the pigs are colorful and realistic, while two others appear as a child would depict them with simple shapes. the son sits dirty and alone in the pen. Phrases written in a childlike manner describe what happened to the son.

Type of Painting

Watercolor

Category

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

Made/Created

Artist

Joel Tanis

Date made

1994

Dimensions

Dimension Description

image size

Height

21 in

Width

14-1/2 in

Dimension Description

frame size

Height

29-5/8 in

Width

23 in

Exhibitions

Prodigal Son: January 7 - February 7, 2009 Center Art Gallery, Calvin College:
Loan - Prodigal @ South Grandville CRC – Grandville, MI: February 19 – April 9, 2009
Loan - Prodigal @ Orchard Hills Reformed Church – Grand Rapids, MI: October 7 – 28, 2009
Loan - Prodigal @ Beechwood Church – Holland, MI: February 17 – March 3, 2010
Loan - Prodigal @ 2nd Reformed Church, Zeeland, MI March 9 – May 18, 2010
Loan - Prodigal @ Dordt College – Sioux Center, IA: July 2 – October 8, 2010
Loan - Prodigal @ South Bend CRC – South Bend, IN: September 19 – November 11, 2011
Loan - Prodigal @ First Presbyterian Church – Midland, TX: February 22 – April 8, 2012
Loan - Prodigal @ Bella Vista Church – Rockford, MI: May 21 – July 23, 2012
Loan - Prodigal @ Elmhurst CRC, Elmhurst, IL January 10 – February 28, 2013
Loan - Prodigal @ Thornapple Covenant Church, Grand Rapids, MI: May 17 – 20, 2013
Loan - Prodigal @ Acton Institute, Grand Rapids, MI: May 20 – August 22, 2013
Loan - Prodigal @ First Congregational United Church of Christ, Washington DC September 3 – November 8, 2013
Loan - Prodigal @ First Presbyterian Church - Bonita Springs, Florida: March 10 - April 17, 2014
Loan - Prodigal @ First Presbyterian Church - Tulsa OK: February 1 - April 18, 2016
Calvin Seminary President's Legacy Society Luncheon: May 18, 2016 @ Prince Conference Center
Prodigal Son: June 1-30, 2016 Center Art Gallery:
Prince Conference Center - Calvary Church Christmas Women's event: December 5, 2016
Loan - Prodigal Son @ 1st Presbyterian Church - Colorado Springs, CO: February 20 - April 21, 2017
Loan - Prodigal @ Sojourn Community Church - Louisville, KY: June 18 - August, 2018