Artwork
The Prodigal Son (2nd Plate)
The Prodigal Son (2nd Plate) is a print by the Impressionist artist Alphonse Legros. It dates from 1884 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
About this work
Overview
Alphonse Legros produced the print titled The Prodigal Son (2nd Plate) in 1884. Executed in black and white, the work is part of the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. The image presents a solitary figure kneeling amid a forested setting, rendered with stark contrasts and a sense of quiet introspection.
Subject & Meaning
The composition centers on a lone individual bent over, hands placed on the knees, gazing downward. Surrounded by tall trees and thick underbrush, the figure appears absorbed in contemplation or remorse, echoing the biblical narrative of the prodigal son’s return and penitence.
Technique & Style
Legros employs loose, sketch‑like lines that give the print an unfinished, study‑like quality. The emphasis lies on tonal variation and texture rather than precise detailing, allowing shadows to define the atmosphere. This approach aligns the work with realist tendencies that prioritize mood and observation over idealized form.
History & Provenance
Created in the late nineteenth century, the print entered the Cleveland Museum of Art’s holdings at an unspecified date. Its designation as the “2nd Plate” suggests it is part of a series or multiple impressions produced by the artist during that period.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
