The First Wise Virgin

Discussion

FROM THE ART INSTITUTE OF CHICAGO’S CATALOG

In the late 15th century, Martin Schongauer engraved a series illustrating the Christian New Testament story of the five wise and five foolish virgins. In the prints from that series, two of the wise virgins hold aloft lamps filled with oil, demonstrating their preparedness for the Day of Judgment, whereas empty lamps dangle from the hands of two foolish virgins. As an allegory for remaining chaste and faithful to Christ, the wise virgins bind their hair with bridal wreaths, while the foolish virgins have thrown their wreaths upon the ground. Schongauer differentiated each of the figures with careful attention to the intricate drapery and delicate hands and facial features.

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