Hands of the Father

The Prodigal Son

The Hermitage Museum in St. Petersburg, Russia, houses one of the most renowned art collections in the world, boasting masterpieces from across centuries and cultures. Among its treasures, the works of Rembrandt stand out as some of the most significant and awe-inspiring. Perhaps the most compelling of these is The Return of the Prodigal Son, believed to be one of Rembrandt’s final works, discovered in his apartment at the time of his death in 1669. Though unfinished, the painting holds a transcendent power and theological depth that has captivated viewers for generations.

Rembrandt’s interpretation of the parable centers on the climactic moment of reconciliation. In the painting, the father leans forward, his hands resting tenderly yet firmly on the shoulders of his kneeling son, who has returned in repentance. The son’s tattered clothing and worn posture convey his journey of brokenness. At the same time, the father’s face and hands dominate the composition, drawing the viewer’s attention with their…