The Wise and Foolish Virgins 1859

Edward Burne-Jones's *The Wise and Foolish Virgins* visualizes a parable from the Gospel of Matthew, rendered in delicate strokes that reflect the sensibilities of the late 19th century Aesthetic movement. The artist, deeply embedded in Victorian England's complex relationship with morality and beauty, presents us with a scene heavy with symbolism. The virgins, divided by their foresight, embody a range of emotional states from despair to serene anticipation, complicating typical portrayals of women at the time. The 'foolish' ones, draped in heavy robes, express a potent sense of exclusion. Burne-Jones, through his art, often questioned the rigid social norms of his era, subtly challenging expectations around gendered roles and spiritual readiness. What might it mean to feel excluded, especially when the promise of belonging is so near? The artist refrains from didacticism, inviting us to consider our own preparedness.