Edward Riojas, The Prodigal Son, 2000s
A Study Guide by Lee Magness
Encountering the Prodigal Son in the Art of Edward Riojas
Reflection
1) This painting is one of many Biblical paintings by contemporary American artist, Edward Riojas. Although the title
of the work is "The Prodigal Son," the quotation in the scroll clearly indicates that the artist wants viewers'
attention to be focused where?
2) Although the painting is not technically a triptych, a painting with three distinct panels displaying three related but
distinct scenes, it does have three "areas." Identify the three areas of interest.
3) On the left, identify the features of the far country. What do you make of the towers, the smoke, and the houses?
What is the significance of the towers being "ziggurats"?
4) In the center foreground, identify the features. What do you make of the figure of the prodigal,the dove, the gate,
the coins, and the cards?
5) On the right, identify the features. What do you make of the fields, the father, the house, and the other figures with
the father?
6) This is a profoundly Christological depiction of the story of the Prodigal Son. Where do you see Christ symbolism
and how would you interpret its presence?
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 one of many Biblical paintings by contemporary American artist, Edward Riojas. Although the title
of the work is "The Prodigal Son," the quotation in the scroll clearly indicates that the artist wants viewers'
attention to be focused where?
2) Although the painting is not technically a triptych, a painting with three distinct panels displaying three related but
distinct scenes, it does have three "areas." Identify the three areas of interest.
3) On the left, identify the features of the far country. What do you make of the towers, the smoke, and the houses?
What is the significance of the towers being "ziggurats"?
4) In the center foreground, identify the features. What do you make of the figure of the prodigal,the dove, the gate,
the coins, and the cards?
5) On the right, identify the features. What do you make of the fields, the father, the house, and the other figures with
the father?
6) This is a profoundly Christological depiction of the story of the Prodigal Son. Where do you see Christ symbolism
and how would you interpret its presence?
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.
