# The Prodigal Son with the Courtesans

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/the-prodigal-son-with-the-courtesans-r9d7d8234ced217>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [FRANCKEN, Frans II](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238>)
- Date: 1601-1650
- Technique: Oil on panel, 35 x 46 cm

## Commentary

Owing to its narrative content, the parable of the prodigal son, as told by Luke, has inspired many artists since the Middle Ages. The episode described by Francken here is that of the prodigal son spending his money in an inn. While Luke&#39;s parable gives little indication of how the son squanders his fortune, artists have taken great liberty in depicting scenes of merry-making, gambling and episodes with courtesans, as is the case here. Frans Francken II treated the subject on other occasions, too.

## Related artworks

- [Allegory on the Abdication of Emperor Charles V in Brussels, 25 October 1555,](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/allegory-on-the-abdication-of-emperor-charles-v-in-brussels-25-october-1555-r1710748ee3f45a>)
- [An Antique Dealer&#39;s Gallery](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/an-antique-dealers-gallery-r5e47896bd9c4d5>)
- [Arcadia: a Pastoral Landscape](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/arcadia-a-pastoral-landscape-r73dff4c622e269>)
- [Art Room \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/art-room-detail-r8b63c91903eb83>)
- [Art Room](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/art-room-rab0f2c518aa20b>)
- [Ballroom Scene at a Court in Brussels](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/ballroom-scene-at-a-court-in-brussels-r342c48c2a0230f>)
- [Christ in the Garden of Olives](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/christ-in-the-garden-of-olives-rb27ab6ba96ae7c>)
- [Croesus Showing his Riches to Solon](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/croesus-showing-his-riches-to-solon-r740ffd7a86e033>)
- [Crucifixion of St Andrew](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/crucifixion-of-st-andrew-rf05d5f2b0afdc8>)
- [Feast of Esther](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/feast-of-esther-r9af85de03c2fbd>)
- [Sebastiaan Leerse in his Gallery](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/sebastiaan-leerse-in-his-gallery-r64463f6ae37e6b>)
- [Supper at the House of Burgomaster Rockox](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/francken-frans-ii-r7a94d0b744e238/supper-at-the-house-of-burgomaster-rockox-r2ea1a416484162>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)