It will readily be admitted that the two figures compose into a very beautiful group, telling the tale of paternal affection and forgiveness, and of repentance, with much pathos: the attitudes of both are most striking, and blend well with each other; while the subject is treated with a purity of feeling that befits the sacred narration. At the same time, the well-formed and rounded limbs of the young man, seem scarcely to belong to one who had long fed on "the husks that the swine did eat," and was even then "perishing with hunger." He exhibits no appearance of destitutution, but, on the contrary, has all the vigour and strength of incipient manhood that knows not want. The wasted and attenuated body, would, doubtless, have exhibited the "prodigal" with more truth, but in a less attractive form. Still it must be regarded as a production that should confer no inconsiderable distinction on the sculptor, for the feeling which prompted the work and the skill that has executed it. A reduced copy of this group has been produced in parian by Messrs. Copcland for their beautiful series of statuettes.

Artist: William Theed Junior 
Period: 19th Century 
Material: Marble 
Location: The Usher Gallery 
Physical Dimensions:
Object height: 184cm
Object length: 57cm
Object width: 105cm

This object is part of "Scan The World". Scan the World is a non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for the public to access for free. Scan the World is an open source, community effort, if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help.