The joy of repentance
The Return of the Prodigal Son
In this painting by Spanish painter Bartolomé Esteban Murillo (1617-1682), we see an interpretation of the famous parable of the Prodigal Son. The painting is part of a series depicting lessons from the Corporal Works of Mercy showing the necessity of good works, and the importance of personal participation in such acts. As you might have guessed by the servant on the far right, this one is depicting Clothing the Naked.
Instead of being dominated by the wretchedness of the son, this painting is a study of the joy that comes with repentance. Notice the father’s protective embrace, the tender looks they’re exchanging, the little dog in the foreground (a common artistic symbol for faithfulness), and even the sun starting to emerge from the dense clouds.
Originally in a chapel for Seville’s Brotherhood of Charity, this painting can now be seen at the National Gallery in Washington, DC.
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