A Guest Post by Klaris Cabansal of Makata Life Journey
The Prodigal Son by Rembrandt is an art piece my children studied last school year with the Charlotte Mason method. Art or picture study allows children to come into contact with art created by great minds.
I have three children, all under the age of ten. At home, I usually allow the kids to feast on the picture themselves without my meddling or input. I am amused when I hear their spontaneous responses, such as my seven year old exclaiming, “Oh! This is scary! He looks like an alien! His hat is too large for his head! Why does she have horns on her head? What’s that fur on her dress? Is that a bed?” at Jan Van Eyck’s The Arnolfini Wedding.
The children take time to observe the picture to become acquainted with the artist and the picture. During the week, my husband or I will read a short biography on the artist and give the title. At times, they also initiate playing “I spy” with the picture, seeking or pointing out details to each other. After a week or two, my children are asked to draw from memory. Our goal is not to create a perfect copy of the original, but to see the details that have been engrained in their “mental picture”.
I do my best to stay away from such a “formal” or “academic” vibe to an art study in fear that I may quench my children’s appetite to soak in the picture themselves.
There is no talk about schools of painting, little about style; consideration of these matters comes in later life, but the first and most important thing is to know the pictures themselves. As in a worthy book we leave the author to tell his own tale, so do we trust a picture to tell its tale through the medium the artist gave it. In the region of art as else-where we shut out the middleman. (Vol. 6, pg 217)
While that is all fun, what I delight most is discussing feelings or ideas that the art provoked individually. We’d share our insights once or twice during the duration of an art study. It’s satisfying to me as a parent to listen to their natural thoughts.
But we begin now to understand that art is not to be approached by such a macadamised road. It is of the spirit, and in ways of the spirit must we make our attempt. We recognise that the power of appreciating art and of producing to some extent an interpretation of what one sees is as universal as intelligence, imagination, nay, speech, the power of producing words. (Vol 6, pg 215)
The Prodigal Son is a favorite piece from the curriculum which has continued to minister to me in the present.
Rembrandt’s picture from The Parable of the Lost Son can be found in Luke 15:11-32 of the Bible. Charlotte Mason cautioned against moralizing a story. In some workshops I’ve facilitated, I have sometimes used this piece. There are varying views from parents about what this story is about. Is it about forgiveness and redemption? Is it about facing natural consequences due to poor decisions? Is it about being patient when someone else is recognized despite your hard work? Is it about the unconditional love of a father? Is it about the joy one experiences to come home? Is it ever about one thing?
How awesome God is for inspiring the Word and giving us the Holy Spirit, our constant companion, to speak to each of us in a personal way.
When I look at Rembrandt’s art piece, I feel that the Father is telling me….
Come, just as you are my Daughter. You are loved. You are precious. You are enough. Set aside your striving; and allow me to meet you where you are.
Come, my peace that I freely give will surround you. Lay your plans, doubt, and worry at my feet. I have set you apart; and with purpose and joy will you enjoy life.
Come, and savor grace and be at full rest, my friend. Trust in me, where you are safe. Feast at the table. Drink from my cup and be renewed.
Father, I see You. I bless Your Name.
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About the Author:
Klaris Rey is a CM homeschooling mama who runs Makata Life Journey, with the desire to help families learn about the Charlotte Mason method. If you’re looking for webinars or workshops, Follow their Page so you get updated! 🙂
One comment
Wonderful!