Dulce Domum, or the Return from School c. 1790

This is Dulce Domum, or the Return from School, by John Jones, created sometime in the 1700s. The image depicts a scene of homecoming, dominated by gestures of welcome and embrace, evoking feelings of warmth and security. Note how the returning boy throws himself into his mother's arms. These are gestures we find echoed throughout art history – consider the Prodigal Son's return. Here, the embrace speaks to a primal need for acceptance and love, a universal longing that transcends time. The open arms, the leaning in – these are visual expressions of deep affection and the comfort of reunion, mirroring gestures found in depictions of familial love across centuries. The symbolic weight of ‘home’ is palpable. It is not merely a place but a repository of shared memories, a sanctuary where identity is reaffirmed. This image taps into our collective subconscious, reminding us of the enduring power of family ties and the emotional resonance of returning to our roots. It is a reminder that, despite the passage of time, some human experiences remain constant.