Kort verhael van den Verloren Zoon 1833 - 1900

Dirk van Lubeek made this print, "A Short Story of the Prodigal Son," using etching, and then added watercolor by hand. The etched lines give a graphic quality, but it is the watercolor washes that create the image's emotional tone, making it feel both intimate and immediate. The tale, of course, speaks of redemption, but the application of the color – with an emphasis on muted browns and yellows – really brings forward a sense of hardship and humility. The choice of watercolor is significant. In an era dominated by oil painting, the artist went with a medium that was generally associated with preliminary studies and amateur pursuits. This print is not just an image of a down-on-his-luck figure, but it also acts as a reflection on the value of labor, the class status of the artwork itself, and, perhaps, of the artist himself. It reminds us that the most profound statements are often made with the most unassuming materials.