The Return of the Prodigal Son is one of the most insightful oil paints by Rembrandt Van Rijn. The piece is considered one of the veteran painter’s last artistic paintings before his demise in 1669. The portrait was created during the Dutch golden period, which marked the beginning of industrialization in the nation. There is no exact date of the final completion of the portrait. However, various pieces of evidence indicate that the paint was created between the years 1663 to 1669. During the industrialization period, various social problems affected the well-being of the Dutch citizens. The portrait highlights different themes that elaborate on some of the experiences and cultures during the ancient period.
One of the significant messages portrayed by the panting is the message of humanity and forgiveness. From the portrait, the father is seen celebrating the return of his unfaithful son. Instead of punishing his ungrateful son, he shows mercy on him and thanks to God for protecting him. The theme of forgiveness is also portrayed when the father forgives the sun for his wrongdoings. The prodigal son’s brother also shows an act of forgiveness by standing close to his father to receive his brother regardless of his negative conduct. In the painting, the son has returned home in a wretched state from travels in which he has wasted his inheritance and fallen into poverty and despair.
The background of the painting is of a group of people witnessing the events that transpire during the return of the prodigal son. The portrait portrays the prodigal son in a shattered state while the father and the brother are wearing neatly compared to the prodigal son. This indicates how individuals who waste their resources end up in a poor state while those who utilize their resources appropriately keep on getting more fortunes.