The Return of the Prodigal Son is an oil on canvas painted by Rembrandt Harmensz van Rijn. The dimensions of the painting are 262 x 205 cm.
The subject for the painting is taken from the Bible, The Gospel According to Luke, XV: 20-24. This theme has been used by Rembrandt in several of his other works as well. Through the figure of the old man and his suffering and the son, Rembrandt has tried to express an array of complex emotions such as charity, love, regret and repentance. This painting is a representation of Rembrandt’s mastery over human psychology.
In his painting, Rembrandt has shown the concept of mercy in a unique manner. It surpasses the works of other Baroque painters due to the way it depicts religion and human emotions. Rembrandt has made use of a simple setting but expressive coloring to add impact to his work.
The focal point of the painting is a father and his son who are framed against a dark surface. The garments worn by the son are ragged while the sleeves of the old man are ochre. The cloak worn by the old man is a combination of ochre and scarlet which form a harmony. The son, who has faced ruin and who was outcast, returns to his father’s house. His father, who is dressed in rich robes, hurries to meet his son.
A kind of solemnity prevails throughout the painting which gives the figures a universal character. While the son repents his deeds, the father showers his love on the prodigal son. On the whole, the painting represents the darkness of human life which is illuminated with mercy and love.
