The Prodigal Son Wasted His Substance

c. 1815

Mary Ann Willson

Associated Names
Mary Ann Willson

Artist, American, active 1810/1825

This is a painting of a group of people gathered around a table in an interior scene. The painting depicts figures engaged in some form of social interaction, dressed in historical or theatrical costumes with bright colors and ornate details. The table has a striped cloth and various objects like a wine bottle and glasses. The room has decorative elements such as a large, red drapery in the upper corner and a framed mirror or painting on the wall. The setting suggests a space for leisure and merriment. The style is naive and folk-like, with bold outlines and vibrant colors. This is in the style of an early American or folk artist.

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Artwork overview


Artwork history & notes

Exhibition History

1998

  • Mary Ann Willson: Artist Maid, American Folk Art Museum, New York, 1998, unnumbered catalogue.

Bibliography

1966

  • 101 Primitive Watercolors and Pastels, from the Collection of Edgar William Garbisch and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C., 1966: 37.

Inscriptions

across bottom: the prodigal Son wasted his Substance with riotous living luke 15--13

Wikidata ID

Q64607431

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