Prodigal Son

Painting

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Calvin University Center Art Gallery

The image is a multi-panel artwork depicting the story of the Prodigal Son, featuring four scenes: a tender moment of embrace between a returning son and his father at the top, symbolizing forgiveness and reconciliation; the lower left panel shows the son in his earlier life, engaging in promiscuity and indulgence, possibly squandering his inheritance; the middle panel presents his despair as he tends to pigs and contemplates his decisions, representing his lowest point; the right panel illustrates his journey back home.

The image is a multi-panel artwork depicting the story of the Prodigal Son, featuring four scenes: a tender moment of embrace between a returning son and his father at the top, symbolizing forgiveness and reconciliation; the lower left panel shows the son in his earlier life, engaging in promiscuity and indulgence, possibly squandering his inheritance; the middle panel presents his despair as he tends to pigs and contemplates his decisions, representing his lowest point; the right panel illustrates his journey back home.

Name/Title

Prodigal Son

Entry/Object ID

2015.13.1

Description

The story of the Prodigal Son is shown in four panels. Three of these panels sit side by side on the bottom. These depict the son among prostitutes, in the pig pen, and wandering alone. Above the center panel is an image of the father and son hugging. The top of this panel points up.

Type of Painting

Panel

Artwork Details

Medium

Oil

Category

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

Made/Created

Artist

Rick Beerhorst

Date made

2014 - 2015

Dimensions

Dimension Description

overall size

Height

61-1/2 in

Width

79-3/4 in

Depth

2-3/4 in

Exhibition

Prodigal Son Exhibition, Center Art Gallery June 1 - August 15, 2015

General Notes

Note

Expanded Wall Label: This work, commissioned in 2014 to join the college’s growing collection of the Parable of the Prodigal Son artwork, display many of Beerhorst’s interests and influences. Divided into four parts, the work is assembled into a framed collective that resembles and Early American home or altarpiece. The bottom three panels depict the son foolishly spending his inheritance, wallowing with pigs, and finally destitute and on his way home. The fourth panel, which is placed on top under the peaked frame pointing towards the heavens, shows the embrace of the father and son.