DISCOVERART

Abraham Bosse

Plate One, from The Wise and Foolish Virgins, plate One

1635
Engraving and etching on ivory laid paper
25.8 × 32.2 cm (10.2 × 12.7 in)

SEE IT IN PERSON

Not currently on view

In the collection of Art Institute of Chicago, Chicago · as of July 2026

View at artic.edu ↗Plan a visit ↗

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

This etching offers a modernized take on Christ’s parable of the ten wise and foolish virgins who awaited the arrival of a bridegroom to his wedding. Here the five wise virgins have saved the oil for their lamps, for which they will be rewarded by being invited to the wedding. Abraham Bosse reinforced the social value of such bourgeois domesticity through symbolic spatial construction. The ideally spiritual and literate young women discuss religious tomes but blend into the ornamental wall tapestries between bright, open windows. The foreground Bible, crucifix, and unlit oil lamps form the base of a hidden cross composed of the altar, mantel, and biblical paintings on the wall.

Source ↗

Be the first to share your thoughts.

Sign in to join the discussion.

Community guidelines

More by Abraham Bosse

FireFireThe Wise Virgins before ChristThe Wise Virgins before ChristA Sculptor Presenting his Statue of Venus and CupidA Sculptor Presenting his Statue of Venus and CupidThe Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 16The Siege of La Rochelle: Plate 16Ceremony of the Contract of Marriage between Władysław IV, King of Poland, and Marie Louise Gonzaga, Princess of Mantua, at FontainebleauCeremony of the Contract of Marriage between Władysław IV, KChildhood: Depicting the Four Ages of ManChildhood: Depicting the Four Ages of ManFire, from "The Four Elements"Fire, from "The Four Elements"Fire (Le Feu)Fire (Le Feu)

More like this

The Wise Virgins ConversingAbraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — The Wise Virgins ConversingThe Foolish Virgins ConversingAbraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — The Foolish Virgins ConversinThe Family of William Cavendish, Marquess of Newcastle-upon-TyneWilliam Cavendish, 1st Duke of Newcastle-upon-Tyne|Peeter ClOld AgeAbraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — Old AgeVisit to the New MotherAbraham Bosse|Melchior Tavernier — Visit to the New MotherThe Wise Virgins Resting Whilst Awaiting the Arrival of The HusbandAbraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — The Wise Virgins Resting WhilThe Foolish Virgins ConversingAbraham Aubry|Abraham Bosse — The Foolish Virgins ConversingWives at Table During the Absence of Their HusbandsAbraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — Wives at Table During the AbsThe Banquet for the Return of the Prodigal SonAbraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — The Banquet for the Return ofFoolish Virgins Sleeping (Les Vierges folles somnolent en attendant l'arrivé de l"époux)Abraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — Foolish Virgins Sleeping (LesVisit to the New MotherAbraham Bosse|Melchior Tavernier — Visit to the New MotherShoemaker (Le Cordonnier)Abraham Bosse|Jean I Leblond — Shoemaker (Le Cordonnier)