Fine Arts
One of the reasons I enjoy doing this blog, is that in addition to shedding a little light onto these stories and talking about how these same principles apply to our lives today, it gives me/us an opportunity to look at some fantastic artwork. Most of us don’t have or make a lot of time for fine art in our lives any more. Part of my hope is that you will be motivated to actually explore what some of these artists are trying to show.
The same holds true for music and reading. If you put the time in, there is so much more in terms of depth and nuance that we cannot see with a passing glance. There are stories in there. But that is the nature of the world we live in, isn’t it. Everything gets a passing glance or a quick nod, and we move on to the next big thing.
The most famous painting depicting the Parable of the Prodigal son was donr by Rembrandt. The one that I am showing today is by Bartolome Murillo.
The Prodigal Family
In most of these paintings, you can easily and immediately identify the father and the prodigal son, but it’s the tiny details that I love. The prodigal son is usually gaunt and filthy, especially compared to the people around him. His clothes are in tatters, he has lost at least one shoe. Murillo’s painting even shows a tiny puppy, wagging his tail; obviously happy to see this boy.
The father is usually leaning forward and embracing the son, oblivious to his surroundings, oblivious to the dirt and smell.
Have you ever hugged someone who did not lean into the embrace. They give you a fleeting pat on the back, or brush by your cheek in a mock-kiss?
Body Language
The story of their relationships can clearly be seen in their body language.
This father is leaning in, hovering over, pulling his long lost son into him. He is forcefully pulling him back into his heart, back into his home and back into his protection.
It most of the pictures it is a joyous scene–except for one face. If we look into the shadows, we can see the older brother. There is an unmistakable resemblance between the two sons. But, in his eyes and on his lips you can see resentment and maybe a little sarcasm.
The younger son is on his knees looking up at the father. The older brother, however has the highest head in the painting. He is literally and figuratively looking down on the whole scene, with indignation and anger, and more importantly, as an outsider.
Let’s try to simplify a bit and give these men names. Let’s make the father, Dave. The sons will be Dave, Jr. and Philip. Dave, Jr. is the outsider here.
Although Dave Jr has never physically left his home, it is pretty clear that he has some kind of issue. There is a disconnection from what’s happening, some sort of dysfunction in these relationships. Dave Jr is not involved in this reunion, he stands apart.
Life Application…So What?
These parables are stories, meant to teach us something important.
Dave Jr represents the many people who have never sinned against God, they have been the “good sons“. They have never shirked or run away from their responsibilities. They didn’t waste their time, their youth or their wealth on the good life. In fact, they stayed home. And, they have remained loyal.
But, when it comes to being happy for other people and for the good and glorious things that are happening in the lives of other people, these “good sons” do not rejoice. Hmmm!?
And here is the dis-connection. They have remained loyal in their actions, but not in their hearts. And, I honestly think the message that Jesus is trying to get across time and again is that, it is what is in you heart, what your true motive, your true driving force is that matters in the end.
It is what is in yout heart that matters.
I really think that many more of us fall into the category of having the “older brother syndrome, ” than are guilty of the younger son’s sin.
So, Are you Dave Jr.?
What’s in your heart?
