The Wise Virgins Conversing 1630 - 1640

"The Wise Virgins Conversing" is a 17th-century etching by Abraham Bosse. The scene, set in an elaborately furnished interior, depicts four women gathered around an open book. They are engaged in lively conversation, their gestures suggesting a spirited intellectual exchange. The work, likely a commentary on the parable of the wise and foolish virgins, was created between 1630 and 1640. Bosse's skillful use of light and shadow adds depth and drama to the composition, while the detailed depiction of the interior, including the window overlooking a cityscape and the paintings on the wall, provides a glimpse into the artist's own time. Today, the etching is housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York City.