The Prodigal Son

The Prodigal Son, with its many versions and adaptations, is an example of Rodin's reuse and adaptation of favourite themes and compositions. It is ultimately derived from a figure Rodin used in a group of 'Ugolino' - the head and torso are identical. Rodin then gave the figure different limbs and combined it with a fleeing female figure for the group called 'Fugit Amor' (Love Flees) on the 'Gates of Hell' bronze portal and doors for the new Museum of Decorative Arts, Paris, which he was asked to design in 1880. Finally in 1894 it was first exhibited as a single free-standing figure, with the title 'The Child of the Century'. The figure is highly characteristic of Rodin's search for dramatic expression in 1880s. Rodin described his work: 'I emphasised the protrusion of the muscles to express distress… I exaggerated the tendons that mark the fervour of the prayer'.