The Prodigal Son 1884

Carl Aarsleff created The Prodigal Son in marble, a material closely associated with classical sculpture. Marble carries a cultural weight, and the prodigal son is part of this tradition. It's hard to imagine this subject rendered in another medium. But while marble is associated with timelessness, the process of carving is extremely time-consuming, demanding skilled labor. Aarsleff would have transferred his design onto the block, then used a variety of tools—chisels, rasps, and abrasives—to gradually reveal the figure within. The figure's smooth skin and flowing hair contrast with the rough-hewn texture of the rock he sits on. The weight of the stone is impossible to ignore. That contrast draws our eye to the figure's slumped posture, emphasizing his emotional state. The heavy stone can symbolize his guilt, his regret and the weight on his soul. By considering the amount of work involved in the production process, the piece creates a dialogue between classical form and the realities of labor, challenging the traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.