The Prodigal Son (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ)

Art Historical Context

This wood engraving, created in 1864 by Sir John Everett Millais and engraved by the Dalziel Brothers, forms part of a celebrated series illustrating *The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ*. Millais, a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, brought his characteristic attention to natural detail and emotional expression to the biblical story of the prodigal son. The scene likely captures a moment of humble labor on the farm, suggested by the presence of men and cattle, emphasizing themes of repentance and redemption central to the parable. As a wood engraving proof, this print represents an early stage in the production process, allowing artists and publishers to refine the image before final publication. The Dalziel Brothers were renowned Victorian engravers whose precise technique translated Millais’s intricate drawings into widely accessible book illustrations. Measuring just 5½ by 4⅜ inches, the work demonstrates how 19th-century printmaking democratized art, bringing religious narratives into homes across Britain. Housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art’s Department of Drawings and Prints, this piece highlights the intersection of fine art and popular devotion during the Victorian era. Its modest scale and careful craftsmanship invite viewers to reflect on both the timeless message of forgiveness and the technical artistry that made such stories visually compelling.