The Prodigal Son Driven Out Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1618-1682)

The composition depicts a forceful expulsion from what appears to be a domestic setting. A young man is propelled forward with considerable energy, his body angled diagonally across the frame and his face tilted upward in a gesture that could be interpreted as either defiance or supplication. One arm is raised high, seemingly attempting to ward off the force pushing him away, while the other flails slightly. He wears simple clothing – a loose shirt and breeches – suggesting a lack of status or perhaps a recent disregard for propriety.
Three figures are positioned in the foreground, actively participating in his removal. A man wearing a dark hat and what seems to be a cloak is exerting significant force from behind, gripping the young man’s waist. To his right stands a woman, her expression unreadable but her posture suggesting involvement in the action. The third figure, also male, wields a long pole or stick, using it as leverage to push the younger man forward. This object introduces an element of aggression and potential threat beyond mere physical restraint.
A small dog follows closely behind the departing young man, its presence adding a touch of pathos to the scene. It appears to be running alongside him, perhaps symbolizing loyalty or companionship in his abandonment.
The background is deliberately obscured, rendered as a hazy, indistinct space with a shadowed doorway and what seems to be a portrait hanging above it. This lack of detail focuses attention entirely on the immediate drama unfolding in the foreground. The lighting is dramatic; a strong light source illuminates the figures involved in the expulsion, casting them into sharp relief against the darker background.
Subtly, the scene conveys themes of familial conflict and rejection. The forceful nature of the expulsion suggests more than just disagreement – it implies a severing of ties, a deliberate act of banishment. The posture of the young man hints at an internal struggle; he is not passively accepting his fate but actively resisting it. The presence of the dog introduces a layer of emotional complexity, suggesting that even in rejection, some form of connection remains. The obscured background and dramatic lighting contribute to a sense of heightened emotion and psychological tension, leaving the viewer to ponder the reasons behind this forceful separation and the potential consequences for all involved.