“Return of the Prodigal Son” by acclaimed African-American collage artist Romare Bearden emphasizes ritual, which he believed was vital to life. Part of a series, this artwork contains both traditional and modern interpretations of the Biblical story, from the New Testament Gospel of St. Luke. Bearden’s work, which was strongly influenced by jazz and the blues, parallels the improvisational form of both musical styles. This piece was inspired by the blues, and conveys the music’s values of hope and dignity. Bearden (1911 – 1988) strongly believed in the blues credo that hardships will eventually be overcome, and life will prevail.

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