Rembrandt’s The Return of the Prodigal Son | Behind The Canvas

One of Jesus’ most famous parables is that of the Prodigal Son—and one of Rembrandt’s most beloved paintings is his depiction of this same parable. The Return of the Prodigal Son is not only a masterpiece of workmanship. It is a powerful sermon on the parable’s themes of love, forgiveness, reconciliation, and hope, and the contrasting tragedies of anger, pride, ingratitude, and isolation.

Fr. Ken Geraci—the host of our new series on Jesus’ parable of the Prodigal Son—joins us on this episode of Behind the Canvas, which explores the colors, contrasts, messages, and characters of Rembrandt’s profound illustration.