Prodigal son sees a return home as dangerous to his health

Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library

Prodigal son sees a return home as dangerous to his health

The prodigal son (likely a cad and bounder who has run up a large debt on the family account back home in Blighty) seeing a return home as the poor option !! Overheard in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. " Well, young Scapegrace, are you going back home to let your people kill the fatted calf?" " Oh, you don t know my governor, hes not that sort; he d more likely kill the Bally Prodigal." Date: circa 1890s

Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries

Media ID 11575105

© Mary Evans / Grenville Collins Postcard Collection

Abroad Australian Displeased Englishman Idea Phil Poor Prodigal Return Returning Smart Sydney Unhappy

FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS

> Europe > United Kingdom > Wales > Related Images

> Oceania > Australia > Sydney

EDITORS COMMENTS
In this intriguing photograph from the late 1890s, an Englishman identified as a "prodigal son" is being quizzed by an unseen interlocutor in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. The prodigal son, who is dressed in the fashionable attire of the time, looks nervously over his shoulder as if sensing danger. The caption suggests that this young man, who has likely lived a reckless and debauched life abroad and run up substantial debts on the family account back in "Blighty," or England, is returning home to face the displeasure and potential wrath of his father. The speaker, with a knowing smirk, asks the prodigal son if he is indeed planning to return home to be welcomed with open arms and a feast prepared in his honor, as told in the parable of the Prodigal Son in the Bible. But the prodigal son, with a hint of fear in his voice, replies that his governor, or father, is not the type to welcome him with open arms. Instead, he warns, the father is more likely to "kill the Bally Prodigal," indicating that a return home could be dangerous to the young man's health. The photograph captures the tension and uncertainty of this moment, as the prodigal son realizes that his past actions may have serious consequences. The historical context of the image, set against the backdrop of Sydney's bustling streets, adds to the intrigue and drama of the scene. Overall, this photograph offers a fascinating glimpse into the complexities of family dynamics and the challenges of returning home after a period of reckless living.

MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee

FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools

SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you

* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.