The Prodigal Son Returned to His Father
PrintmakerEtched by
Amos Doolittle
(American, 1754 - 1832)
PublisherPublished by
Shelton & Kensett
(American, founded 1813)
Date1814
MediumEtching; printer's ink on wove paper, backed with wove paper
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (image height x width): 12 5/8 x 9 1/2in. (32.1 x 24.1cm)
Platemark (height x width): 14 1/4 x 10 1/4in. (36.2 x 26cm)
Sheet (height x width): 16 1/4 x 12 1/2in. (41.3 x 31.8cm)
ClassificationsGraphics
Credit LineMuseum purchase
Object number1975.95.1
DescriptionA young man kneels on the ground at the right in front of an elderly man who stands at the left. The young man wears a coat, shirt, breeches, hose, and low shoes. His hat is on the ground beside him. His clothes are ragged, with tears and holes in them. The old man wears a coat, vest, breeches, hose, and shoes with buckles. He wears a lace stock and has lace cuffs. He is probably also wearing a wig. His left arm is extended above the young man's head. Two women stand in the right background. Both wear turbans or hats. One has her hands folded, as if in prayer. A bush with roses is at the left. Additional flowers, probably hollyhocks, an ornamental urn, and a large tree are at the right. A large house is in the left background.
Label TextAmos Doolittle's four prints of The Prodigal Son include elements from Connecticut portrait paintings of the late 18th century and the costumes in this print reflect contemporary fashions, providing the Biblical parable with a sense of immediacy for contemporary viewers.
Status
Not on view
