Roundel with parable of the prodigal son as a swineherd, ca. 1520
Glass roundel, painted, silver-stained, and etched
Diameter23,5 cm
Place of originLeiden
About the workThis shepherd, who is knocking acorns from the tree for his pigs, is not enjoying his work. The story of the younger son who abandons his father and squanders his inheritance is told in the Gospel of Luke in the Bible. Full of remorse, the son will eventually return and be joyfully received by his father. The Bible focuses on parental love as a symbol of God’s forgiveness. This roundel was part of a series that might have been installed in a wealthy Dutch household or a guild hall, for example, to warn against carelessness and recklessness there.
Accession
Bequest of Laurenz Heinrich Hetjens, accessioned 1929
Provenance[...]; 1.9.1929 erhalten aus dem Nachlass Laurenz Heinrich Hetjens (Düsseldorf 16.7.1830 - 1906 Düsseldorf)
Inventory numberP 1929-227
