The Return of the Prodigal Son by Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1667-70)
What we learned-
- Murillo depicts the main characters- the father and prodigal son- in the center of the canvas in a triangular formation to draw the viewer’s eye to them.
- Servants are placed around the father and son, bringing gifts of clothes, jewelry and even a calf for the feast, in celebration of the son’s homecoming.
- You can see the other brother lingering in the shadows on the right side of the painting.
Discussion Questions:
- How do you think the father and son felt in this moment? Do you think Murillo captured it well?
- Go to your Bible and read the story of the prodigal son!
