The Prodigal Son

Flemish painter, active in Antwerp (1636–1651). Pupil of his father Jacob van der Laemen (1584–1620/1640) and Frans Francken II (1581–1642). Painted Biblical scenes and merry companies – mainly at a table. The theme of the prodigal son is repeated several times in almost identical compositions. The work is based on the well known parable from the Book of Luke in the New Testament about a father’s unconditional and infinite ability to understand and forgive his son who has squandered all the money his father gave him and was reduced to such poverty that he was willing to eat the swill of the pigs he was tending. When the son came to his senses, overcame his shame and decided to ask his father’s forgiveness, the good father not only forgave him but also held a banquet in his honour and asked all those present to join him in his happiness. He said to his eldest son who was racked by jealousy: “It was fitting to celebrate and be glad, for this your brother was dead, and is alive; he was lost, and is found.” This important theme from the Bible has inspired many artists and interpreted in the most various ways. Following tradition, Van der Lamen’s painting depicts three episodes from the prodigal son’s journey; in the centre of the painting is the banquet. The shards of broken dishes and the weapons indicate the priorities in these people’s lives and signify some threat to their apparent stable lives. The carefree life of the spendthrift can end at the pig trough when nothing remains but to return and beg for forgiveness.