Artwork

The Prodigal Son's Father Orders the Best Robe and the Slaughter of the Fatted Calf

The Prodigal Son's Father Orders the Best Robe and the Slaughter of the Fatted Calf 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

This 1639 engraving by French printmaker Abraham Bosse depicts a scene from the biblical parable of the Prodigal Son, focusing on the father's preparations to welcome his returning son.

Subject & Meaning

The engraving illustrates the moment when the father orders the finest robe and the slaughter of the fatted calf to celebrate the son's homecoming, conveying themes of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Technique & Style

Bosse employs cross-hatching to achieve detailed textures and shading, evident in the intricate rendering of clothing, faces, and the room's decor, despite the monochromatic ink-on-paper medium.

History & Provenance

Created in 1639, the work exemplifies Bosse's proficiency in narrative and religious subjects through printmaking, though specific provenance details are not provided.

Context

The piece reflects 17th-century French artistic interests in biblical storytelling and the technical advancements in engraving during this period.

Legacy

While not individually renowned, this engraving contributes to Bosse's broader legacy as a skilled printmaker of his era, notable for his contributions to the development of etching and watercolor techniques.