These are the four surviving preparatory sketches for a series of six canvases now in the National Gallery in Dublin, based on the parable of the Prodigal son (Lc 15). They are partly based on prints by Jacques Callot (1592-1635). Murillo makes full use of his narrative skills and his preference for scenes inspired by daily life. As preparatory sketches, they are painted in a particularly free and lively manner.