Artwork
Le départ de l'enfant prodigue (1ère planche, en hauteur) (The Departure of the Prodigal Son) (first plate, vertical)
Le départ de l'enfant prodigue (1ère planche, en hauteur) (The Departure of the Prodigal Son) (first plate, vertical) is an ink print by Jean-Louis Forain. It dates from 1912 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Le départ de l'enfant prodigue is an etching and drypoint print created by Jean-Louis Forain around 1912. The work is one of a series of prints Forain made using various techniques.
Subject & Meaning
The print illustrates the biblical parable of the prodigal son, depicting three figures walking together. The central figure holds the hands of the other two, who wear long coats, one with a hat pulled low and another carrying a small bag.
Technique & Style
Forain employed loose, expressive lines in etching and drypoint to convey a sense of movement and urgency. The rough, sketchy quality of the background, with its faint lines suggesting trees or buildings, adds to the overall feeling of haste.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Jean-Louis Forain (French pronunciation: ; 23 October 1852 – 11 July 1931) was a French Impressionist painter and printmaker, working in media including oils, watercolour, pastel, etching and lithograph.
La retour (The Return)
Woman and Two Children with German Soldiers
Paysanne avec pannier
La rencontre sous la voute (3e planche) (The Meeting under the Arch) (third plate)
Emigrants
Le colporteur juif (The Jewish Peddler)
"Ce qui se fait dans les meilleures societes"
Chestnut Vendors (Marchands de marrons)
La sortie de l'audience (1ère planche) (Coming Out of the Hearing) (first plate)
Three Figures
The Distant City (La ville lointaine)
At the Theatre-Libre: Antoine in "L'inquiétude" (Au Théatre-Libre: Antoine dans "L'inquiétude")