Monday, August 4, 2008

Rembrandt's Prodigal Son

I am reading Henri Nouwen's "The Return of the Prodigal Son" based on one of Rembrandt's last paintings at the Hermitage museum.
Rembrandt did not follow the literal text of the parable. What he portrayed is a half-blind old man (he painted the blind as real see-ers), dressed in a gold embroidered garment and deep red cloak, laying his large, stiffened hands on the shoulders of his returning son, in a torn undertunic covering his emaciated body and torn sandals. It's a picture of infinite compassion, unconditional love and everlasting forgiveness. Looking on is the critical older son who stands stiffly erect with both hands clasped together close to his chest.
Henri Nouwen reflects on himself as the wayward younger son, the older resentful son and finally the welcoming father. It's wonderful exposition of homecoming and reconciliation.

1 comment:

Sam Marsh said...

Hey there,

Thanks for this post. Nouwen's work really is fantastic isn't it? I was equally impacted by it - you may be interested to see my post which is a meditation on the book's main themes... http://www.sammarsh.net/?p=341