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.
I'm glad, because we have a lot of them lined up! If you have ideas about what would make for a good collection let me know. If you say history paintings you have to write it ;D
Haha 😂 I’m probably not qualified, or it would take extensive research. My first thoughts were about the many different Joan of Arc paintings we looked at a few months ago, St. George and the Dragon, or other Biblical stories - the life of David might even be too broad - any individual event from his life probably has several pieces. But tracing his anointing, fight with Goliath, friendship with Jonathan, fleeing Saul, meeting Abigail, and later kingship I’m guessing have all been portrayed.
These are fantastic ideas! I have St. George already on the list (I'm so fascinated by the variations of that one - and the Rubens St. George is in the first Lumen volume). I'm adding the others! Thanks, Jennifer.
You’re welcome! I remember seeing a couple St George and the dragon pieces when we went to the National Gallery last year when my 4 year old was obsessed with the story. So it was a fun connection for him to see something he recognized!
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.
Yes, it's wonderful how powerful it is to see the son alone!
Most of the time I find the images on the website of the museum where the artwork is located, or from a site like wikimedia. Finding high quality images can be tricky!
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!
I've heard so many good things about that book! I love that it inspired you to buy a print.
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.
I feel like entire books can (maybe have) been written about that one painting. I'm glad this can be useful for you!
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.
Well said. I love that so many people were drawn to that one.
Thanks for compiling and sharing this, Bethany!
Chagall is usually my favorite, but in this, John Macallan Swan’s is my favorite.
I love - and am not at all surprised - that you're a Chagall fan. Me, too. Surely that guy was a 7. ;)
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!
I'm glad, because we have a lot of them lined up! If you have ideas about what would make for a good collection let me know. If you say history paintings you have to write it ;D
Haha 😂 I’m probably not qualified, or it would take extensive research. My first thoughts were about the many different Joan of Arc paintings we looked at a few months ago, St. George and the Dragon, or other Biblical stories - the life of David might even be too broad - any individual event from his life probably has several pieces. But tracing his anointing, fight with Goliath, friendship with Jonathan, fleeing Saul, meeting Abigail, and later kingship I’m guessing have all been portrayed.
These are fantastic ideas! I have St. George already on the list (I'm so fascinated by the variations of that one - and the Rubens St. George is in the first Lumen volume). I'm adding the others! Thanks, Jennifer.
You’re welcome! I remember seeing a couple St George and the dragon pieces when we went to the National Gallery last year when my 4 year old was obsessed with the story. So it was a fun connection for him to see something he recognized!
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!
You are drawn to all of the gestures - good eye!
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.
Thanks, Krista. That's a great point!
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.
I really love these insights, thank you for sharing them!
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.
Yes, it's wonderful how powerful it is to see the son alone!
Most of the time I find the images on the website of the museum where the artwork is located, or from a site like wikimedia. Finding high quality images can be tricky!
That's helpful! Thank you!
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
Great point. It feels like seeing the Swan type of versions makes the redemptive ones all the more meaningful.
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!