The Prodigal Son Wasting His Substance c. 1571

Curator: This is "The Prodigal Son Wasting His Substance" by Hans Collaert the Elder, found in the collections here at the Harvard Art Museums. Editor: What a vibrant, chaotic scene! It feels like a stage play, all these figures vying for attention under that crimson canopy. Curator: The image draws from the biblical parable, but notice how Collaert uses classical iconography—the fountain, the loose drapery—to enrich the narrative with layers of meaning. It's not just about squandered inheritance, but the seductive allure of worldly pleasures. Editor: That fallen figure, crumpled on the ground, adds a chilling touch. A stark reminder of the price of indulgence. Curator: Indeed. Collaert's skill lies in embedding these moral lessons within a visually compelling tapestry. Editor: A cautionary tale, beautifully rendered. It makes you think, doesn't it? Curator: Absolutely, the image lingers in the mind long after you've moved on.