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Open 10:00–5:00

Visit
Open today 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
Admission is always free

6th and Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20565

Sculpture Garden Extended Hours

Open late until 8:00 p.m. on select nights
Through September 5
Exhibitions & Events
America’s 250th

Celebrating American art and artists
Art & Artists
Open Call

Artists Reimagining the Collection
Meet the 50 makers selected from more than 1,600 submissions

The Return of the Prodigal Son

1636

Rembrandt van Rijn

Associated Names

Rembrandt van Rijn

Artist, Dutch, 1606 - 1669

The image is an etching depicting several figures in what seems to be a historical or biblical scene. In the center, a young man is kneeling with his head against the chest of an older man embracing him. The young man has long, curly hair and wears simple, tattered clothing, while the older man is draped in flowing robes. To the right, two standing figures look on; one carries a child, and the other wears a robe and hat. A third figure leans from an open window above. The background features an archway leading to buildings and trees, with a mix of structured and organic elements. The etching is detailed, showing the texture of clothing and surroundings through lines and shading.

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Artwork overview

Medium

etching on laid paper
Credit Line

Gift of Ruth B. Benedict in memory of William S. Benedict and in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art
Dimensions

plate: 15.6 x 13.7 cm (6 1/8 x 5 3/8 in.)
sheet: 15.9 x 14 cm (6 1/4 x 5 1/2 in.)
Accession Number

1991.63.2
Catalogue Raisonné

White/Boon 1969, no. 91, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Richard Gutekunst (Lugt 2213a)

Associated Names

Benedict, Ruth B., Dr.

Exhibition History

1994

A Discerning Eye: Prints and Drawings Given by Ruth B. Benedict, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994, no. 23.

1995

Imitation and Invention: Old Master Prints and Their Sources, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1995.

1997

Building a Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997-1998, no. 1.

2006

Strokes of Genius: Rembrandt's Prints and Drawings, National Gallery of Art, Washington, D.C.

Bibliography

1923

Hind, Arthur M. A Catalogue of Rembrandt's Etchings. London: Methuen and Co. Ltd., 1923.

1969

White, Christopher and Karel G. Boon. Rembrandt's Etchings. 2 vols. Amsterdam: Van Gendt & Co., 1969.

1991

Art for the Nation: Gifts in Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the National Gallery of Art. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1991: p.66.

1993

The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1993: no. 159, i/iii.

1994

A Discerning Eye: Prints and Drawings Given by Ruth B. Benedict. Exh. cat. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1994: no. 23.

Inscriptions

lower center: Rembrandt f 1636

Wikidata ID

Q74888501

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