The Prodigal Son in Misery

c. 1815

Mary Ann Willson

Associated Names
Mary Ann Willson

Artist, American, active 1810/1825

The image shows a person sitting on a stylized hill, positioned sideways but with the upper body slightly facing the viewer. The person has a distinct facial expression, with a defined jawline, wide eyes, and dark, voluminous hair styled in waves. They are wearing a red garment with a shawl over their shoulders and a yellow lower garment. In their left hand, they hold a small bundle. The background features a large tree with a thick trunk and broad, dark leaves. Two figures are near a house with a colorful patchwork roof on the right. In the distance, there is another small figure in an open area, possibly a field. The lower part of the image shows abstract animal depictions near water.

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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: 38.

Inscriptions

across bottom: the prodigal Son in Misery, he would fain have filled his belly with the husks that the Swine/ Did Eat luke 16

Wikidata ID

Q64607433

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