On-line gallery
- Reference number
- P00039
- Author
- Bassano, Francesco (Italian); Bassano, Jacopo (Italian)
- Title
- The Return of the Prodigal Son
- Chronology
- Ca. 1570
- Technique
- Support
- Measures
- 147 cm x 200 cm
- School
- Theme
- Shown
- No
- Entrance
- COLECCION REAL
- Procedence
- Royal Collection
The main scene that gives this
painting its name takes place in
the background, where the father
receives the prodigal son at the
top of the stairs.
The subject of this painting is
based on the last line of the New
Testament parable The Prodigal Son
(Luke 15, 11-32). It shows the
moment when the son, after
squandering his inheritance,
repents before God and returns to
his father's house. The latter
forgives him and receives him with
a grand banquet, which Bassano
depicts in the foreground,
displaying his mastery as a
still-life painter.
This work was given to Felipe IV
(1606-1665) by the Duke of Medina
de las Torres.
