The Foolish Virgins (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ) 1864

This image is "The Foolish Virgins," an engraving by Sir John Everett Millais, a British artist working in the 19th century. Millais, associated with the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood, draws on religious parables to explore themes of morality and gender. This piece visualizes the biblical story where some young women, tasked with keeping their lamps lit, run out of oil while waiting for the bridegroom's arrival. Millais captures the emotional intensity of the moment of realization, one of the virgins has collapsed in despair. We see the contrast between those who are prepared and those who are not. The figures are rendered with a detailed focus on their emotional states, inviting viewers to contemplate the consequences of unpreparedness. The foolish virgins are a reminder of the importance of vigilance, it challenges viewers to consider the consequences of neglecting one's duties, on a personal level. The artwork uses women's bodies to ask probing questions about accountability, responsibility, and ultimately, salvation.