The Return of the Prodigal Son

c. 1548

Dirck Volckertz Coornhert after Maerten van Heemskerck

Associated Names
Dirck Volckertz Coornhert

Artist, Netherlandish, 1522 - 1590

Maerten van Heemskerck

Artist After, Netherlandish, 1498 - 1574

This is a drawing featuring an elderly figure standing over a kneeling figure in a pastoral landscape. The scene depicts an interaction between the two central figures, with the standing figure having a long beard. The kneeling figure appears to be pleading or seeking mercy. The background shows a landscape with trees and houses, providing depth to the image. Architectural elements like arches and columns add complexity to the composition. The drawing shows strong and precise line work with detailed cross-hatching and shading, characteristic of woodcuts or engravings.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    woodcut on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Ailsa Mellon Bruce Fund

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to block): 24.7 x 18.5 cm (9 3/4 x 7 5/16 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1996.69.1

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 359, State only

Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Dr. Jung, Freiburg-im-Breisgau (Lugt undescribed); (James Bergquist, Boston); purchased by NGA, 1996.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

1997

  • Building a Collection, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997-1998, no. 2.

2019

  • Through a Glass Darkly: Allegory & Faith in Netherlandish Prints from Lucas van Leyden to Rembrandt, Michael C. Carlos Museum, Emory University, Atlanta, GA, 2019, no. 46, repro.

Bibliography

1802

  • Bartsch, Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna, 1802-1821: Adam. Le peintre graveur. 21 vols. Vienna: J.V. Degen, 1802-1821.

1949

  • Hollstein, F.W.H. et al. German engravings, etchings and woodcuts ca. 1400-1700. 8 vols. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberger, 1954-1868. Dutch and Flemish etchings, engravings and woodcuts, ca. 1450-1700. Vols. I-XV, XVIII, XIX. Amsterdam: Menno Hertzberge

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. Maarten van Heemskerck. Parts I and II. Compiled by Ilja M. Veldman and edited by Ger Luijten. Roosendaal: Koninklijke van Poll, 1993.

1997

  • Robison, Andrew. Building a Collection. National Gallery of Art, Washington, 1997, no. 2.

Inscriptions

lower right, in block: MVH (interlaced in monogram); on verso, lower center, by later hand in graphite: 94

Wikidata ID

Q75397446

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