The Prodigal Son

Albrecht Dürer

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a barnyard with a man surrounded by pigs. The scene captures a figure feeding pigs amidst a collection of rustic buildings. The architecture features steeply pitched roofs, various textures, and minute details typical of a medieval setting. At the forefront, several pigs, both adult and piglets, are engrossed in a feeding activity, with a wooden trough centrally placed. The surroundings are etched with fine lines displaying dirt paths, a few scattered toys or tools, and the organic curves of the pigs and trees in the background. The detailed garment of the man and the barns’ textured walls add depth to the intricate composition.