Artwork
The Prodigal Son Bids Farewell to his Father
The Prodigal Son Bids Farewell to his Father is an ink print by the Baroque artist Abraham Bosse. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Created in 1639, this black‑and‑white engraving by French printmaker Abraham Bosse portrays a moment from the biblical parable of the prodigal son. The composition captures the younger son poised at a doorway, about to depart, while his father reaches toward him. A woman observes from within a richly appointed interior, and a miniature landscape beyond a window adds narrative depth.
Subject & Meaning
The image illustrates the pivotal instant when the wayward son says farewell to his father, a scene traditionally read as the point of repentance before the son’s eventual return. Bosse’s focus on this encounter reflects the moral and didactic interests of 17th‑century French art, emphasizing themes of forgiveness and familial duty.
Technique & Style
Executed as an engraving, the work relies on finely incised lines to render texture, light, and shadow. Bosse employs cross‑hatching and delicate stippling to model the figures’ clothing and the opulent surroundings. Ornamental borders and French inscriptions frame the central scene, showcasing the printmaker’s skill in integrating decorative elements with narrative content.
History & Provenance
Abraham Bosse, known chiefly for his etchings and watercolors, produced this print during a prolific period of his career. While specific ownership records are scarce, the engraving has been documented in several 18th‑century French collections, indicating its circulation among connoisseurs of moral and religious imagery.
Context
The work aligns with a broader French artistic trend that favored biblical storytelling as a vehicle for moral instruction. Bosse’s choice of a domestic interior, complete with a view of a distant house and riders, situates the parable within a contemporary setting, making the ancient narrative relatable to his audience.
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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