Artwork preview

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Giovanni Francesco Barbieri, called Guercino

National Gallery of Art

The image is a line drawing depicting two full-body figures embracing. The person on the left appears to be an older man, with a long beard and flowing hair, wearing a robe that drapes around him. His facial features are somewhat obscured due to the beard. The person on the right has long, wavy hair and appears to be younger, wearing a simple, slightly ragged tunic and skirt, and is barefoot. Both figures are barefoot. They are positioned close together, with the younger figure leaning inward, seemingly pressing their faces together. The surroundings are minimalistic, with only a few lines suggesting a step or low platform, leaving a plain background that emphasizes the interaction between the two figures.

Artwork Details

Date
c. 1640
Medium
pen and brown iron gall ink on laid paper
Dimensions
3275 × 3807 px
Public Domain
Yes
Museum Record
View original