De terugkeer van de verloren zoon c. 1540 - 1550

Cornelis Anthonisz. created this print, "The Return of the Prodigal Son," in the 16th century. It reflects the religious and social values of the Dutch Renaissance through the lens of a biblical parable. The narrative unfolds with the son kneeling before his father, begging for forgiveness, set against a backdrop filled with figures representing virtues like faith and hope. Anthonisz. situates the viewer in a time of religious reform and humanist thought. The story isn't just about individual redemption; it mirrors the broader societal tensions between sin and forgiveness, obedience and autonomy. The emotional weight of the scene is palpable, inviting us to reflect on themes of repentance and reconciliation, all while subtly commenting on the socio-religious fabric of his time. Anthonisz.'s print navigates the space between traditional religious teachings and the emerging humanist values, making us consider what it means to return, to be forgiven, and to reintegrate into a community.