The Return of the Prodigal Son

I have written about a little picture of this subject which I own and which Dad painted the year before this. I described how this was a subject that interested him since seeing the Rembrandt version of the biblical story.

This account is more visceral than either of the others. The body of the returning son is a mass of wounds and torn flesh.

One interesting detail is the curled feet obviously an attempt to shield his blisters from the road. The Rembrandt version has the soles of the feet turned towards the viewer showing his vulnerability.

The father makes …

read more..

I have written about a little picture of this subject which I own and which Dad painted the year before this. I described how this was a subject that interested him since seeing the Rembrandt version of the biblical story.

This account is more visceral than either of the others. The body of the returning son is a mass of wounds and torn flesh.

One interesting detail is the curled feet obviously an attempt to shield his blisters from the road. The Rembrandt version has the soles of the feet turned towards the viewer showing his vulnerability.

The father makes a gravely welcoming gesture with his hands. I am struck by his clothes. I am not sure whether they refer to any actual garments or whether they just represent a wealthy and important man. However, it is strange that underneath the wonderful fur cloak, his shirt is open revealing the nakedness or humanity of the man underneath. He has a little posy of flowers pinned to his cloak and the son has brought flowers with him, knocked out of his hand by the enthusiasm of the dog who still recognises him. A very moving  interpretation of the story.

Richard did three paintings based on the prodigal son theme:

• The Prodigal Son, after Rembrandt (1942)
• The Return of the Prodigal Son (1958)
• The Return of the Prodigal Son (1959)