The Return of the Prodigal Son
The artist
Rembrandt, a Dutch master famous for warm golden light and deep, tender feeling in his paintings.
What you see
A father gently welcomes home his son, who kneels in front of him after being away for a long time.
The story
Painted around 1668, it shows a famous story about forgiveness, when a father joyfully welcomes back his lost child.
The style
Rembrandt used soft shadows and warm reddish light so all our attention rests on the loving hands and faces.
Look closer
Look at the father's two hands on the son's back; many people feel one hand is gentle and the other is stronger.
Where to see it
You can see it at the Hermitage Museum in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where it is one of the greatest treasures.
Fun fact
This was one of the last paintings Rembrandt made, and many people call it one of the kindest pictures ever painted.