Artwork
The Prodigal Son (3rd Plate)
The Prodigal Son (3rd 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
The Prodigal Son (3rd Plate) is a print by Alphonse Legros, dated to 1884, currently in the collection of The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a kneeling figure, identified as the Prodigal Son, dressed in a simple tunic with unkempt hair, conveying intense sadness and exhaustion through his facial expression and posture.
Technique & Style
Legros employs chiaroscuro to create depth and dimensionality, guiding the viewer's focus towards the central figure against a subdued, beige-toned background with darker shading at the edges.
History & Provenance
Created in 1884, the work's history prior to its acquisition by The Cleveland Museum of Art is not detailed here.
Context
As part of a series (3rd Plate), it suggests a narrative approach to illustrating the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, though the specific context of its creation or the series' entirety is not provided.
Legacy
No specific information is given regarding the impact or legacy of this particular work within Legros' oeuvre or broader artistic movements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Alphonse Legros (French pronunciation: ; 8 May 1837 – 8 December 1911) was a French, later British, painter, etcher, sculptor, and medallist.
The Prodigal Son, 3rd plate (L'enfant prodigue)
The Prodigal Son, 3rd plate (L'enfant prodigue)
The Prodigal Son, 6th plate (L'enfant prodigue)
The Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son, 4th plate (L'enfant prodigue)
The Prodigal Son
The Prodigal Son, 4th plate (L'enfant prodigue)
The Prodigal Son, 2nd plate (L'enfant prodigue)