A group of four proofs: two undescribed working proofs, one lighter and one with rich burr, before the first state cleaning of test scratches in the lower margin; Wentworth 250.60 first state with extensive additional work and the signature and date 1881 lightly etched; and Wentworth’s completed second state with inscriptions, here with the number painted out. Tissot began working on this series the year after completion of four paintings, The Prodigal Son in Modern Times, which were first exhibited to enormous success, alongside the preparatory water colours, in a London gallery in 1882. They went on to be shown in world fairs in Paris and Chicago. Unlike artists of earlier periods who enjoyed depicting the prodigal son among the swine he was forced to herd to stay alive, Tissot only alludes to them indirectly as they exit the boat, and focuses instead on the intensely emotional reunion of father and son. Fine impressions in generally good condition.