The Return of the Prodigal Son
Leandro Bassano (1557-1622) was an Italian artist from Bassano del Grappa who was awarded a knighthood by the Doge of Venice. He was the younger brother of artist Francesco Bassano the Younger and third son of artist Jacopo Bassano.
The New Testament parable of the Prodigal Son illustrates the theme of Christian forgiveness by telling how a son, having squandered his wealth, returned shamefully to his home where his father forgave and welcomed him.
This painting is based on a composition signed by Jacopo Bassano and his son Francesco (1576-77, Galleria Doria Pamphilj, Rome), though with slight variations, for instance in the foodstuffs on the table to the left. It has been attributed to Jacopo's younger son, Leandro Bassano, who became his father's principal assistant from 1578 until he moved to Venice in 1588.