Artwork
The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs
The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs is a print by the Baroque artist Abraham Bosse. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
The Prodigal Son: The Prodigal Tending the Pigs is a 1635 print by Abraham Bosse, held at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a young man, dressed in a tunic and leggings, sitting on a rock and playing a pipe, surrounded by pigs and a landscape with trees and a cloudy sky. The scene is likely inspired by the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son.
Technique & Style
The use of chiaroscuro creates a sense of depth, with the figures standing out against the background. This technique was characteristic of Baroque art, which often employed strong contrasts between light and dark to create a sense of volume and drama.
Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham Bosse (c. 1604 – 14 February 1676) was a French artist, mainly as a printmaker in etching, but also in watercolour.
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