De verloren zoon als varkenshoeder c. 1596 - 1633

Philips Galle created this engraving, "The Prodigal Son as Swineherd," in the Netherlands sometime in the late 16th century. Here, Galle depicts the biblical story of the prodigal son who squandered his inheritance and was reduced to working as a swineherd, one of the lowest occupations in that society. The image uses the visual codes of the time to communicate ideas about morality, poverty, and social status. The Netherlands, a Protestant country at this time, had complex views of wealth and poverty. The prodigal son's destitute state reminds us of the moral lessons taught by the Church: one must not waste one's life, and one must value the position of one's birth. To understand art like this better, we might delve into period literature and religious texts. Exploring the social conditions of the time, especially the class structure and economic norms, helps us understand the role and meaning of art in society.