Dordt College art gallery features “The Prodigal Son”

The Prodigal Son in Modern Life: typographic front piece – The Parable of the Prodigal Son
James Jacques Joseph Tissot
Etching with Drypoint, 14" x 18"
1881



The parable of the Prodigal Son, presented in a variety of artistic styles and interpretations, is now on exhibit at the Dordt College Campus Center Art Gallery.

“The Father and His Two Sons: images of the Prodigal Son from the Larry and Mary Gerbens Collection” can be seen daily until October 1. A gallery reception will be held Wednesday Sept. 8, from 6-7:30 p.m.

Each piece in the exhibition visually interprets the parable of the Prodigal Son. Themes such as greed, regret, repentance, forgiveness, jealousy, reconciliation and self-righteousness are featured in the work.

Rembrandt, Sebald-Beham, Tissot, and Thomas Hart Benton are noted artists in the collection, and there are also commissioned pieces by regional artists such as Joel Tanis, Edgar Boeve, and Jon McDonald.

The collection began as a response to the book, “The Return of the Prodigal Son: A Story of Homecoming,” by Henri Nouwen. Inspired by Nouwen’s personal and introspective style, Larry and Mary Gerbens, Grand Rapids, began acquiring art with the Prodigal Son theme. They donated the work to Calvin College in 2008, and the collection is now made available for exhibitions across the U.S. The show at Dordt College is the first time the collection has been made available in Iowa.