The Prodigal Son in Misery, n.d. Creator: Amos Doolittle

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The Prodigal Son in Misery, n.d. Creator: Amos Doolittle

The Prodigal Son in Misery, n.d

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Media ID 36214878

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Cross Legged Crossing Legs Legs Crossed Miserable Misery Parable Parable Of The Prodigal Son Pigs Pigsty Sadness Swine Unhappy Posture Wood Engraving

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> Arts > Artists > D > Amos Doolittle

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EDITORS COMMENTS
Amos Doolittle's enigmatic print, "The Prodigal Son in Misery," offers a unique interpretation of the well-known biblical parable. Dating from the 18th or 19th century, this hand-colored engraving on paper depicts a disheveled, miserable man, clad only in rags, sitting cross-legged in a desolate landscape. Surrounding him are pigs, wallowing in the mud, and trees barren of leaves. The man's posture and expression convey a deep sense of sadness and regret, as if he has fully embraced his life of poverty and isolation. The title of the work alludes to the Parable of the Prodigal Son, a story from the New Testament about a young man who squanders his inheritance on a life of debauchery, only to return home in penitence and be welcomed back by his father. However, Doolittle's interpretation diverges from the traditional narrative, presenting the prodigal son not as a repentant figure, but as one who has fully succumbed to the consequences of his actions. The use of animals, specifically pigs, adds an intriguing layer to the image. In the parable, the prodigal son is said to have "come to himself" and decided to work as a pig-keeper, feeding pigs in a pigpen. Doolittle's depiction of the man among the pigs suggests that he has not only adopted their lowly lifestyle, but has also become one of them. This intriguing print, with its striking use of color and masterful wood engraving technique, invites viewers to ponder the consequences of prodigal living and the complexities of human emotion. Originally from the United States, "The Prodigal Son in Misery" is now part of the collections of the Art Institute of Chicago, where it continues to captivate and inspire visitors.

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