The third wise VirginFrom the Series 'The Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins' c. 1475
martinschongauer
stadelmuseum
drawing
drawing
imaginative character sketch
light pencil work
quirky sketch
pencil sketch
sketch book
personal sketchbook
german
pen-ink sketch
12_15th-century
sketchbook drawing
sketchbook art
fantasy sketch
Martin Schongauer's "The Third Wise Virgin" is a 15th-century engraving that belongs to a series of ten depicting the parable of the wise and foolish virgins from the Gospel of Matthew. The engraving features a female figure, the third wise virgin, with a wreath of leaves on her head and long, flowing hair. She holds a lamp with a lit flame, signifying her preparedness for the arrival of the bridegroom. The detail in the figure's drapery and the realistic depiction of light and shadow showcase Schongauer's mastery of the engraving technique.
Comments
The New Testament parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins revolves around a wedding custom in which ten virgins go out to meet a bridegroom. While some have filled their lamps with oil, the others have forgotten, are unable to light their lamps, and are barred from joining in the celebration as a result. The tale was linked with a warning: be always prepared for the coming of the Lord. Schongauer’s series was quite successful and often copied, and the expressive figures moreover frequently served painters as models.
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