Die Heimkehr des Verlorenen Sohnes 

Johann Ernst Constantin Plesch created this drawing, "The Return of the Prodigal Son," now in the Städel Museum, using brown ink and brush on paper. The composition is neatly split between a darker left side and a lighter right side. This juxtaposition creates a compelling visual tension. The left side, dominated by earthy tones, features figures and livestock, leading our eye through an archway into the background. The right side, is brighter, and crowded with onlookers, drawing our attention to the central figures of the father and son. Plesch masterfully uses light and shadow to guide the viewer's gaze, with figures arranged in a way that directs our focus to the emotional heart of the scene. The use of monochromatic tones contributes to a sense of depth and atmosphere, accentuating the human drama unfolding before us. This use of form and composition invites us to consider the emotional and spiritual significance of the prodigal son's return.