James Janknegt, Two Sons, 2002
A Study Guide by Lee Magness
Encountering the Prodigal Son in the Art of James Janknegt
Reflection
1) This painting is a triptych, a painting with three panels, each displaying a different scene. Triptychs have been
widely used throughout the history of Christian art. What is the advantage of using a triptych?
2) Identify the three scenes in this triptych. Which scene is the most important? How did the artist signal its
importance?
3) Study the left panel. What features do you notice? What does this panel suggest about the experience of the
younger son in the far country?
4) Study the central panel. What features do you notice? What does this panel suggest about the father and the
younger son at the time of the reunion?
5) Study the right panel. What features do you notice? What does this panel suggest about the older son during the
celebration?
6) Study the borders above and below the central panel. What do these images suggest about the parable?
Response
Write a short essay sharing your interpretation of the painting or write a short meditation on the meaning of the
parable as illustrated by this painting.
After you have finished writing your response, click on this link to read a short sermon based on an interpretation of the painting.
Reflection
1) This painting is a triptych, a painting with three panels, each displaying a different scene. Triptychs have been
widely used throughout the history of Christian art. What is the advantage of using a triptych?
2) Identify the three scenes in this triptych. Which scene is the most important? How did the artist signal its
importance?
3) Study the left panel. What features do you notice? What does this panel suggest about the experience of the
younger son in the far country?
4) Study the central panel. What features do you notice? What does this panel suggest about the father and the
younger son at the time of the reunion?
5) Study the right panel. What features do you notice? What does this panel suggest about the older son during the
celebration?
6) Study the borders above and below the central panel. What do these images suggest about the parable?
Response
Write a short essay sharing your interpretation of the painting or write a short meditation on the meaning of the
parable as illustrated by this painting.
After you have finished writing your response, click on this link to read a short sermon based on an interpretation of the painting.
