The Prodigal Son
c. 1879 National Gallery of Art, Washington D.C.
About this artwork
This oil painting depicts the biblical figure of the prodigal son sitting in a desolate landscape with pigs. It is part of a larger composition, originally titled 'The Prodigal Son' (1879), and represents a departure from traditional narrative portrayals of the parable.
Did you know?
Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, known for his monumental mural decorations, created this intimate work as a reflection on themes of solitude and repentance. Unlike more theatrical depictions of the parable, his version emphasizes the existential isolation of the protagonist, turning the swineherd into a figure of quiet, universal despair.
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The Prodigal Son
Pierre Puvis de Chavannes, c. 1879
