Return of the Prodigal Son

Rembrandt van Rijn

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of an encounter between two individuals. The scene depicts one person kneeling and embracing another person, who is bending forward with open arms. The kneeling figure appears disheveled with torn clothing, while the standing figure is dressed in long robes. In the background, there is intricate architecture and other figures near a doorway. The foreground shows steps leading up to the main figures. The drawing features fine line work and detailed cross-hatching in a classic etching style.