The Prodigal Son: Riotous Living

In the biblical proverb of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11–32), the son wastes his inheritance at a brothel; destitute, he returns to his father and is forgiven. Though the story is meant as a lesson of repentance, artists often focused on the brothel scene, which allowed them to explore the son’s morally questionable choices. This print depicts the interior of a brothel as if it were an opulent home from the 1600s. Three women, a man, and a child distract the son to steal his coin purse. One woman holds a triangular glass of wine, highlighting the role of wine in the son’s carnal desires and eventual ruin.

A horizontally oriented print in black ink depicts a man seated at a table in an interior while women gather around. Two embrace him from either side while turning to look up at one another. Another stands behind holding a wine glass and looking to a man who reaches around the cluster toward a child picking the seated man's pocket. Fine cross-hatching shades the scene and French text runs along the bottom.

The Prodigal Son: Riotous Living

1635

Abraham Bosse

(French, 1602–1676)

France, 17th century

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