3-021-019 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

"The Prodigal's Return," by E. J. Pointer, A.R.A., in the Exhibition of the Royal Academy, 1869. Engraving of a painting. 'Some highly respectable persons are very likely...to believe that neither this promising young painter...has any right whatever to attempt to deal with the often-painted episode before us, without having previously informed himself of the precise shape, measurement, pattern, and material, if not also the market price of the textile fabrics made up into the abbah, the under garments, and the photah...worn by the excellent parent of the Gospel narrative, on the particular day of his hopeful younger son's return...we think that at least one feature of Mr. Poynter's treatment of the arduous theme he has selected must be felt and acknowledged to be strikingly pathetic, and therefore successful. That feature is the turning aside of the head of the prodigal from the injured father, and the expression in his face. So much shame and contrition, so many recollections of truest affection abused and betrayed, such remorseful gratitude for the...unhesitating welcome which the father has hastened to give are expressed...in that sidelong look that we feel further comment, apology, or illustration from our pen would be an impertinence'. From "Illustrated London News", 1869.