Living in the northern part of Europe during the 17th century, Rembrandt was exposed to the Protestant view of Baroque art. This difference in style formed after the divide of the Catholic and Protestant Churches. Out of this split arose the Protestant Reformation and the northern style of Baroque art. Instead of …show more content…
The son, dressed in ragged clothing, kneels before his old father after returning from hardship due to wasting his inheritance. Surrounded by his brother and servants, he begs for forgiveness and mercy as he leans his bald head into his father’s expensive garments. The father’s hands placed gently on the son’s back portray a sense of comfort and compassion toward the son. His brother stands in the shadows with his hands crossed clearly judging his outcast brother and questioning the unconditional love given by the father. The other servants are barely visible in the shadows but have a sense of relief to see their master’s son has returned