The Return of the Prodigal Son

Dirck Volckertz Coornhert after Maerten van Heemskerck

National Gallery of Art

This is a drawing featuring an elderly figure standing over a kneeling figure in a pastoral landscape. The scene depicts an interaction between the two central figures, with the standing figure having a long beard. The kneeling figure appears to be pleading or seeking mercy. The background shows a landscape with trees and houses, providing depth to the image. Architectural elements like arches and columns add complexity to the composition. The drawing shows strong and precise line work with detailed cross-hatching and shading, characteristic of woodcuts or engravings.