About this artwork
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.
-
Status
- Currently Off View
-
Department
- Prints and Drawings
-
Artist
- Martin Schongauer
-
Title
- The First Wise Virgin
-
Place
- Germany (Artist's nationality:)
-
Date
- 1480–1491
-
Medium
- Engraving on paper
-
Dimensions
- 12.1 × 8.7 cm (4 13/16 × 3 7/16 in.)
-
Credit Line
- Bequest of Mrs. Potter Palmer, Jr.
-
Reference Number
- 1956.899
-
IIIF Manifest
- https://api.artic.edu/api/v1/artworks/3954/manifest.json
Extended information about this artwork
Object information is a work in progress and may be updated as new research findings emerge. To help improve this record, please email . Information about image downloads and licensing is available here.
