# The Prodigal Son

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/the-prodigal-son-rd673c994099722>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [GOTHIC GLASS PAINTER, French](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9>)
- Date: 1201-1250
- Technique: Stained glass window

## Commentary

Chess probably originated in India, reaching Europe via Persia and Muslim Spain. It became popular rapidly. The stained glass window in Chartres Cathedral, presented here, shows the Prodigal Son losing most of his clothes gambling. It is not clear how the chessboard relates to the dice.

## Related artworks

- [A Nobleman](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/a-nobleman-r79982c319aa1d0>)
- [Angel Playing the Lyre](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/angel-playing-the-lyre-r386206fde9c7af>)
- [Annunciation](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/annunciation-rd2f628ef16ae64>)
- [Charlemagne](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/charlemagne-rd3edc510f6390b>)
- [Charlemagne&#39;s Battle](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/charlemagnes-battle-rb696eb6187c1f1>)
- [Charlemagne&#39;s Dream](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/charlemagnes-dream-rb15720936bf11d>)
- [Charles VI](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/charles-vi-rbc3755ca66b492>)
- [Choir clerestory](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/choir-clerestory-rb791f2c7c09219>)
- [Departure of the Prodigal Son](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/departure-of-the-prodigal-son-r51e5312479c4ad>)
- [Esther Window \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/esther-window-detail-r494874e83523fc>)
- [Jacques Coeur Window](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/jacques-coeur-window-r7ebcfb390058b1>)
- [Miracles of the Virgin](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/gothic-glass-painter-french-rc870cfa81957e9/miracles-of-the-virgin-rfed881b3e37b40>)

## Attribution

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