Gelijkenis van de talenten / Gelijkenis van de wijze en dwaze maagden 1716 - 1791

"Gelijkenis van de talenten / Gelijkenis van de wijze en dwaze maagden" (1716-1791) is an engraving by Dutch artist Pieter Tanjé (1706-1761), currently housed at the Rijksmuseum. The work depicts two biblical parables: the Parable of the Talents and the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The upper scene illustrates the first, where a master entrusts his servants with different amounts of money, which they are expected to invest. In the lower scene, the parable of the Ten Virgins is depicted, where five wise virgins are prepared for the bridegroom's arrival, while five foolish virgins are unprepared. These biblical narratives are popular themes in art, emphasizing themes of responsibility, preparation, and rewards in the afterlife. Tanjé's depiction captures the drama and morality of these stories with detailed figures and clear compositions, making this a significant piece of Dutch religious art.