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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 Prodigal Son Taking Leave of His Father

c. 1815

Mary Ann Willson

Associated Names

Mary Ann Willson

Artist, American, active 1810/1825

This is a painting of an interior scene featuring a dog and bird alongside various figures in elaborate dress. The room showcases four interacting figures, with a central figure in bright clothing shaking hands with another. A dog stands to the side and a parrot is perched inside a decorative cage. The room is adorned with patterned fabrics and richly colored decor, such as drapes and banners, enhancing the lively ambiance. The style is early American folk art.

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Artwork overview

Medium

pen and black ink and watercolor
Credit Line

Gift of Edgar William and Bernice Chrysler Garbisch
Dimensions

sight size: 38.5 x 31.8 cm (15 3/16 x 12 1/2 in.)
framed: 49.2 x 42.2 x 2.8 cm (19 3/8 x 16 5/8 x 1 1/8 in.)
Accession Number

1966.13.20

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: 36.

Inscriptions

across bottom: the prodigal Son taking his leave of his father, he gathered all together And took his / journey into a far country luke 15--13

Wikidata ID

Q64607427

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