The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Christian Jean, Gérard Blot

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

The departure of the prodigal son, Cl. 1495 (detail) © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

The departure of the prodigal son

Description

Not on display

16th century

Late Middle Ages

The subject of this tapestry is borrowed from parables, the stories Jesus tells in the Gospels. A young man asks his father for his share of the heritage (scene on the left), proudly leaves on his dappled horse (scene in the centre) and arrives at the inn, embraces a young woman, and prepares to spend his fortune. In the background, a mule carries the traveller's baggage. The costumes allow the piece to be dated to around 1520.

The open composition features a foreground reminiscent of millefleurs; it is structured by the two decorated small columns that separate the three scenes. The depth and landscape are portrayed in a convincing manner.
 

From one artwork to another

Tenture de la Vie Seigneuriale, La Promenade, Cl. 2178 © GrandPalaisRmn / Franck Raux

La Vie Seigneuriale

Début du XVIe siècle

Pilgrimage badge, Notre-Dame, Cl. 4697 © GrandPalaisRmn / Michel Urtado

Pilgrimage badges

13th century - 14th century - 15th century