De vijfde dwaze maagd c. 1470 - 1491

Martin Schongauer engraved this image of the fifth foolish virgin in the late fifteenth century, capturing a pivotal moment of realization and regret. Note the extinguished lamp, a potent symbol of unpreparedness for the divine encounter. This motif of the extinguished lamp echoes through centuries. In ancient Greece, the lamp symbolized enlightenment and knowledge, while in the biblical parable, it represents spiritual readiness. Yet, here, the light is gone, the virgin’s hand covers her face in a gesture of mourning that goes beyond this single narrative. Consider how the gesture of covering one’s face appears in other contexts—from depictions of grief in Roman sarcophagi to modern expressions of shame. This universal sign transcends time, tapping into a collective memory of sorrow and the consequences of neglect. It’s a powerful, almost primal expression of loss. The lamp and the gesture combine here to engage viewers on a deep, subconscious level. This isn't just a depiction of a biblical tale; it’s a reflection on our own preparedness and the fear of being found wanting when the moment arrives. The symbol resurfaces, evolves, and takes on new meanings, echoing through art and human experience.