THE PRODIGAL SON (L'ENFANT PRODIGUE)

This is the final blogpost in the series which has focused on the small details so often overlooked by casual observers.  I photographed this painting entitled, "The Prodigal Son with Courtesans" in the Musee Carnavalet in the 3rd arrondissement.  It is by an unknown Flemish artist and was probably painted in about 1540.

A closer look at the background shows details of early 16th century Paris - Notre Dame cathedral, the bridge later replaced by Pont Neuf and Parisians going about their daily chores: fishing, bathing and even tending their sheep on the banks of the Seine.  This view could so easily have been missed.

OJ