The Return of the Prodigal Son | Sketch

Before Rembrandt van Rijn painted his masterpiece oil  painting of the Return of the Prodigal, he made hundreds of sketches in different mediums to work through not only the details of the painting, but also the depth of the subject he was portraying. 

The painting and the sketches depicts the artist's rendition of one of Jesus's most famous parables, The Lost Son, Luke 15: 11-32. 

Much has been said of the parable and the painting. In particular I love how the Rembrandt draws us deeper into contemplation of the mysteries of the parable. Dutch Priest and author, Henry Nouwan, writes: "Rembrandt is as much the elder son of the parable as he is the younger. When, during the last years of his life, he painted both sons in Return of the Prodigal Son, he had lived a life in which neither the lostness of the younger son nor the lostness of the elder son was alien to him. Both needed healing and forgiveness. Both needed to come home. Both needed the embrace of a forgiving father."

I absolutely love the loose and open strokes of this pen and ink drawing, and the warmth of the sepia in the background. I love knowing I am holding a piece of the master's mind in this painting, as he prayed and contemplated the parable and worked his way through to the finished product.  

This sketch reminds us we are all works in progress, yet the Father is always ready for us to come Home. It makes a wonderful addition to a personal prayer space, or a beautiful gift for the celebration of the Sacraments. 

Available as a Giclee printed on heavyweight textured paper in 5x7, 8x10, or 11x14 sizes.

These are custom printed. Please allow 2-3 weeks for shipping.