GOTHIC GLASS PAINTER, French
(active c. 1210)

Departure of the Prodigal Son

c. 1210
Stained glass window
Cathédrale Saint-Étienne, Bourges

The picture shows a detail of the window representing the Parable of the Prodigal Son. The pane depicts the Prodigal Son at the beginning of the story. A typical noble of the 13th century, he rides out at his gray horse, his falcon on his hand. He wears a purple gown whose fine folds play round his body, and a splendid cloak with fur lining.

The colour range of the window includes red and blue, with white, various shades of purple, yellow, and green predominating in the figurative areas. The figures have delicate, slender bodies that are surmounted by large heads with protruding skulls.