The Prodigal Son Received by His Father

Theodoor van Thulden after Sir Peter Paul Rubens

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing of a kneeling figure near a doorway with a landscape visible beyond. The drawing depicts an interior scene with a person kneeling at a doorway, clutching the hand of a standing figure dressed in flowing robes. Several other figures gather around in attentive postures, gesturing and observing the interaction. To the right, through the architectural feature of a doorway or window, a landscape is visible, showing rolling hills and a distant building. A dog is present in the foreground, paying no attention to the human activity. The strong use of line and cross-hatching gives depth and texture to the scene.