You know the story: A group of Pharisees is grumbling about the inclusivity of Jesus. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them,” they say. In response, Jesus tells three parables: first, of the shepherd who leaves his flock to find the one lost sheep; then he tells of the woman who rejoices over finding one lost coin; and, lastly, he shares the story of the prodigal son—one of the best-remembered of all his parables. We humans understand the deep need to repent, to forgive, to battle envy or pride, to return home.
A few years ago I read Henri Nouwen's meditation on Rembrandt's Prodigal Son, where he sees himself in each of those characters at various points in his life. Loved it so much I bought a giclée print of that Rembrandt painting. Some of these were new to me. Thank you!
Thank you Bethany! Art is definitely something where I need some guidance in knowing what to see. Having all the different expressions of this parable is a wonder!
Thank you for sharing these! Swan's made me tear up. The son's back turned and bowed made me feel the weight of my own pride, stubbornness, and shame. The darkness of the foreground contrasted against the bright sky stirred the necessity of feeling these thing for true repentance and the possibility of acceptance despite foolishness.
This is wonderful. It’s always been fascinating to me to see how different artists have portrayed the same story from scripture. I hope someone, someday will compile a book of Bible stories and the variety of ways the stories have been depicted by artists throughout the centuries.
I’ve always loved the Rembrandt painting, especially how the father puts his hands on the son’s shoulders. I hadn’t seen the Tissot Return painting but I am drawn to how the son is gripping his father, who is bending down at the knees and the detail of the top hat fallen to the ground behind him. The contrast is colours between father and son in the Batoni painting is so striking and the fact that the father is enveloping his son in the robe, while almost pulling him closer with the other hand. Thanks for sharing!
This post is so moving. Thank you for piecing together art and scripture.
I am especially moved by the mothers in the inheritance paintings. We can, surely, assume the mother is present even if it’s not explicitly stated in scripture, so I appreciate the inclusion of her.
I'm surprised at how many of the paintings include a mother, when the parable does not mention a mother. It's interesting what she adds to the feeling of the paintings. It almost highlights a lack of agency or capability to change the mind of the son and that the son's wishes run counter to his parents'.
Goodness, you've made this prodigiously hard. I like them all for any number of reasons. The emotion, the details like a shaved head on the prodigal or missing a shoe, the light, the richness, the cultural interpretation of it. This requires a long chat over tea, delighting over them all.
This is beautiful! I love the paintings you have chosen! I came across the Swan painting this week while searching for an entirely different painting in the Tate's collection and it stopped me in my tracks. It's gorgeous, and such an unusual treatment of the topic!
Also, what are your sources for these paintings? I'm working on a similar project and am having some trouble finding the pieces I want and need.
Thank you for these. I am thankful we are told that Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. Having prodigals in my own family I am drawn to the Swan with an aching heart. But, am hopeful and find joy in the Rembrandt as the Prodigal returns and is loved
I love the idea of retelling bible stories through the multifaceted artistic renderings of history. It communicates the universal nature of Christ's parables. I would buy a whole series of books that did this!
A few years ago I read Henri Nouwen's meditation on Rembrandt's Prodigal Son, where he sees himself in each of those characters at various points in his life. Loved it so much I bought a giclée print of that Rembrandt painting. Some of these were new to me. Thank you!
Thank you Bethany! Art is definitely something where I need some guidance in knowing what to see. Having all the different expressions of this parable is a wonder!
Thank you Bethany! We are about to discuss Rembrandt and his painting and sharing this will be a perfect addition to class.
Thank you for sharing these! Swan's made me tear up. The son's back turned and bowed made me feel the weight of my own pride, stubbornness, and shame. The darkness of the foreground contrasted against the bright sky stirred the necessity of feeling these thing for true repentance and the possibility of acceptance despite foolishness.
Thanks for compiling and sharing this, Bethany!
Chagall is usually my favorite, but in this, John Macallan Swan’s is my favorite.
Beautiful! Would love to see more collections like this.
Swan’s piece hit me, and I love the French series, especially the return. Rembrandt’s return with the prodigal’s feet - such great detail!
This is wonderful. It’s always been fascinating to me to see how different artists have portrayed the same story from scripture. I hope someone, someday will compile a book of Bible stories and the variety of ways the stories have been depicted by artists throughout the centuries.
I’ve always loved the Rembrandt painting, especially how the father puts his hands on the son’s shoulders. I hadn’t seen the Tissot Return painting but I am drawn to how the son is gripping his father, who is bending down at the knees and the detail of the top hat fallen to the ground behind him. The contrast is colours between father and son in the Batoni painting is so striking and the fact that the father is enveloping his son in the robe, while almost pulling him closer with the other hand. Thanks for sharing!
Variations on a theme - Prodigal God by Tim Keller, and this throwback from Phillips Craig and Dean: https://youtu.be/4lIkcNalg5I
Thank you Bethany! What a great collection. I didn’t know Tissot’s paintings!
This post is so moving. Thank you for piecing together art and scripture.
I am especially moved by the mothers in the inheritance paintings. We can, surely, assume the mother is present even if it’s not explicitly stated in scripture, so I appreciate the inclusion of her.
I'm surprised at how many of the paintings include a mother, when the parable does not mention a mother. It's interesting what she adds to the feeling of the paintings. It almost highlights a lack of agency or capability to change the mind of the son and that the son's wishes run counter to his parents'.
Goodness, you've made this prodigiously hard. I like them all for any number of reasons. The emotion, the details like a shaved head on the prodigal or missing a shoe, the light, the richness, the cultural interpretation of it. This requires a long chat over tea, delighting over them all.
This is beautiful! I love the paintings you have chosen! I came across the Swan painting this week while searching for an entirely different painting in the Tate's collection and it stopped me in my tracks. It's gorgeous, and such an unusual treatment of the topic!
Also, what are your sources for these paintings? I'm working on a similar project and am having some trouble finding the pieces I want and need.
Thank you for these. I am thankful we are told that Jesus welcomes sinners and eats with them. Having prodigals in my own family I am drawn to the Swan with an aching heart. But, am hopeful and find joy in the Rembrandt as the Prodigal returns and is loved
I love the idea of retelling bible stories through the multifaceted artistic renderings of history. It communicates the universal nature of Christ's parables. I would buy a whole series of books that did this!