Prodigal Son - Jean-Louis Forain

Prodigal Son - Jean-Louis Forain, originally uploaded by Edith OSB.

I was at Saint Paul's Monastery over the weekend. A number of art works depicting the story of the Prodigal Son were on display. I was taken by this etching - instead of showing the return in the middle of a crowded household, this captures the tender moment of father and child, reconciled at last, their hearts united.

Here is the description from the exhibition:
The son, after claiming his inheritance, traveled to a distant country. When he returned, he was warmly wrapped in the father's embrace.

In this print, distance and closeness are intimated. Things look small and far away down the road to the left. In contrast, the huddled figures loom large. A discarded hat and traveling stick add an exclamation point of emphasis.

The widening road is suggestive as we think about distance and intimacy. A low horizon line and the strong diagonal of the road draw our eyes to the moment of reconciliation. The embrace on the road is a tender and timeless expression of contrition and pardon.

The son, who had been far from home, is now near and unconditionally welcomed. So, as travelers far from home, are we.