Artwork
Rembrandt and Saskia in the parable of the Prodigal Son
Rembrandt and Saskia in the parable of the Prodigal Son is an oil painting by the Dutch Golden Age artist Rembrandt. It dates from 1635 and is held in the collection of the Staatliche Kunstsammlungen Dresden.
About this work
Overview
Rembrandt and Saskia in the parable of the Prodigal Son is a painting executed in oil on canvas, depicting a scene from the biblical parable. It is signed 'REMBRANDT F.' and is now housed in the Gemäldegalerie Alte Meister in Dresden, Germany.
Subject & Meaning
The painting shows a man and woman seated together, interpreted as Rembrandt and his wife Saskia. The scene is associated with the Prodigal Son parable, a popular theme in Protestant art due to its moral undertones.
Technique & Style
The composition was altered when the left side of the canvas was trimmed, possibly by Rembrandt, to focus attention on the central figures. The dark background and formal attire of the subjects create a warm and intimate atmosphere.
History & Provenance
The painting is one of several works by Rembrandt related to the Prodigal Son theme; he revisited the subject in his 1669 'Return of the Prodigal Son'.
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Artist & collection
Artist
Rembrandt Harmenszoon van Rijn (15 July 1606 – 4 October 1669), known mononymously as Rembrandt, was a Dutch Golden Age painter, printmaker, and draughtsman.
