Each masterpiece of the series is a fascinating art-history novella and, at the same time, an invitation to the following tale, the next chapter in this never-ending cycle of astonishing stories, of which the museum has so many. This whole work is dominated by the idea of the victory of love, goodness and charity. The event is treated as the highest act of human wisdom and spiritual nobility, and it takes place in absolute silence and stillness. The drama and depth of feeling are expressed in the figures of both father and son, with all the emotional precision with which Rembrandt was endowed. This parable in Rembrandt's treatment is addressed to the heart of everyone.