Parable of the Prodigal Son

The "Parable of the Prodigal Son" is a 1536 Northern renaissance oil on panel painting by the Brabant artist Jan Sanders van Hemessen. This religious painting illustrates the biblical story from the New Testament, depicting the prodigal son’s return and reconciliation with his forgiving father. The painting’s Mannerist style emphasizes expressive figures and vivid storytelling. Since 1881, it has been part of the collection at the Royal Museums of Fine Arts of Belgium, offering insight into 16th-century religious art and the artistic traditions of the Northern renaissance period.