Six Murillo paintings of The Prodigal Son Returns are on display at Russborough House, Blessington, Co. Wicklow from 1st March – 31st May 2025.
The Prodigal Son series by Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1617-1682) on display at Russborough House.
The six masterpieces were originally brought to Russborough House by Sir Alfred Beit in 1952 and subsequently gifted to the National Gallery of Ireland who meticulously restored them and now for the first time in 20 years have returned to their historic home at Russborough which includes many other works from the Beit collection.
Bartolome Esteban Murillo (1617-1682), from Saville, one of the most celebrated painters of the Spanish Golden Age, brought the biblical parable of The Prodigal Son to life with unparalleled sensitivity and emotion. This exhibition is presented in partnership with the National Gallery of Ireland and generously supported by Forvis Mazars, Classic Conservation & Restoration, Tulfarris Hotel & Golf Resort, and Fuel.
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Sir Otto John Beit (1865-1930); financier, philanthropist and art connoisseur. The room in Belgrave Square, London was designed to accommodate the six Murillo paintings of The Prodigal Son Returns. Three of which can be seen in the background of Orpen’s painting.
Sir Otto Beit, In His Study, 49 Belgrave Square by Sir William Orpen (1913).
Medium: Oil on Canvas: Size: 32×30 inches (81.5×76.3 cms).
Signed: Lower Left ‘ORPEN, 1913.
Current Location: Johannesburg Art Gallery, South Africa.
Provenance: Commissioned from the Artist, for Johannesburg Art Gallery.
Presented by Sir Otto Beit to the Johannesburg Art Gallery. It was evidently commissioned in 1910 as it is listed in the Gallery’s 1910 catalogue, however, it was not completed until 1913, and only reached the Gallery in 1916.
In an unpublished letter held by the Johannesburg Art Gallery, from Orpen to Robert Ross on headed note paper from 8, South Bolton Gardens, London, dated 9th June 1913, Orpen writes:
“My dear Robert Ross, Sorry to worry you but I have finished the picture of one Otto Beit and he has asked me to write to you about having it framed – Will you do it – or shall I do it for you – Just let me know – it’s an interior, small figure and its size is 30×32 – my warmest regards to you Sir.
Yours William Orpen”.
References: Who Was Who, Vol.III, 1929-1940, page 88.
Orpen’s Studio Book Reference : 25/15-1913. Beit paid Orpen £200 for the painting.
Cara Copland Ref : B03:05.
Laib Glass Negative Number : 7057*.
Post by Dominic Lee, Orpen Research Archives.