Gospel in Art: The Parable of the Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: The Return, James Tissot © Metropolitan Museum, New York

Source: Christian Art

Gospel of 22 March 2025
Luke 15:1-3, 11-32

At that time: The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to hear Jesus. And the Pharisees and the scribes grumbled, saying, 'This man receives sinners and eats with them.'

So he told them this parable: 'There was a man who had two sons. And the younger of them said to his father, "Father, give me the share of property that is coming to me." And he divided his property between them. Not many days later, the younger son gathered all he had and took a journey into a far country, and there he squandered his property in reckless living.

And when he had spent everything, a severe famine arose in that country, and he began to be in need. So he went and hired himself out to one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs. And he was longing to be fed with the pods that the pigs ate, and no one gave him anything.

'But when he came to himself, he said, "How many of my father's hired servants have more than enough bread, but I perish here with hunger! I will arise and go to my father, and I will say to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Treat me as one of your hired servants.' "

'And he arose and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt compassion, and ran and embraced him and kissed him. And the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son." But the father said to his servants, "Bring quickly the best robe, and put it on him, and put a ring on his hand, and shoes on his feet. And bring the fattened calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate. For this my son was dead, and is alive again; he was lost, and is found." And they began to celebrate.

'Now his older son was in the field, and as he came and drew near to the house, he heard music and dancing. And he called one of the servants and asked what these things meant. And he said to him, "Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf, because he has received him back safe and sound." But he was angry and refused to go in. His father came out and entreated him, but he answered his father, "Look, these many years I have served you, and I never disobeyed your command, yet you never gave me a young goat, that I might celebrate with my friends. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your property with prostitutes, you killed the fattened calf for him!" And he said to him, "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found." '

Reflection on the etching

The Parable of the Prodigal Son is one of the most powerful and moving stories Jesus tells in the Gospels. It is a parable of mercy, redemption, and unconditional love, revealing the heart of the Father who is always ready to welcome his children home, no matter how far they have strayed. The story speaks to human weakness and divine forgiveness. A son who squanders his inheritance in reckless living is only to be embraced by the very father he dishonoured.

French artist James Tissot brings this parable to life in his wonderful etching. Rather than setting the story in Biblical Palestine, Tissot transports it to a contemporary harbour, making the narrative feel immediate and relatable. The prodigal son's ship has just arrived, and his father stands waiting on the quayside, arms outstretched in an embrace of forgiveness. The son kneels before him, overcome with emotion, as he pleads for mercy. In this moment of raw humanity, the father's hat is falling to the ground, a small yet poignant detail that captures the overwhelming joy of reunion... so caught up in love, he is oblivious to all else.

Tissot, known for his narrative realism, fills the scene with symbolic details. In the background, pigs and cows serve as a visual reminder of the son's lowest point, his time spent feeding swine, a job that would have been especially degrading for a Jewish man. The contrast between his past and present underscores the radical transformation of grace. Bystanders stand in silent astonishment, observing this moment of forgiveness and reconciliation. The woman covering her face in disbelief embodies the human tendency to struggle with grace: how could such an offence be forgiven so readily?

Tissot lived in London when he created this work, during a period of spiritual reawakening. He was known for his interest in maritime scenes, often spending time at the Port of London, which served as inspiration for several of his works. By setting the Prodigal Son's return at the harbour, Tissot emphasises the theme of departure and return, mirroring the spiritual journey of every soul: a journey that leads, ultimately, back to the arms of Our Father.

LINKS

Gospel in Art: https://christian.art/
Today's Reflection: https://christian.art/daily-gospel-reading/luke-15-1-3-11-32-2025/ (with audio)