The Return of the Prodigal Son

Image credit: Bristol Museums, Galleries & Archives

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This painting was formerly attributed to Francesco Fracanzo. A New Testament parable illustrates the theme of Christian forgiveness by telling how a son, having squandered his wealth, returned shamefully to his family's home where his father forgave and welcomed him. The artist expressed themes of repentance, forgiveness and familial love by showing the son, dressed in rags, tenderly raising his elderly father's hand to kiss it. He dramatised the moment by focusing on just three figures, eliminating extraneous detail, and by illuminating the faces with a searching, intense chiaroscuro (extreme contrasts of light and dark). This is one of a group of Neapolitan paintings which has been associated with the elusive and controversial 'Master of the Annunciation to the Shepherds'.

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol

Title

The Return of the Prodigal Son

Date

c.1630–1650

Medium

oil on canvas

Measurements

H 100.5 x W 124 cm

Accession number

K2765

Acquisition method

purchased, 1959

Work type

Painting

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