The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins (ca. 1560–63)
Original title: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins
kurzbeschreibung
A central figure holding a scroll, surrounded by angels in clouds and a Gothic church facade: Pieter Bruegel the Elder turned the biblical parable of the wise and foolish virgins into an engraving around 1560–63. The parable appears in a crowded composition in which, alongside the Christ figure, numerous secondary figures also appear.
Description
Holding a scroll, a figure stands at the center, readable as Christ or an angel. Clouds with more angels settle around it, while a Gothic church front with sculptures forms the backdrop. Below in the sheet, people go about manual tasks such as weaving and cooking. The layout is dense with figures and activities, evenly lit throughout.
Context
Around 1560–63, during his Antwerp years, Pieter Bruegel the Elder made this engraving. The sheet belongs to the world of printmaking, which played an important role in the Netherlands in spreading biblical themes. The story from the Gospel of Matthew was a common motif in the religious art of that era.
Impact
The detailed arrangement draws the eye into the depth of the image and invites repeated viewing. A calm, even lighting gives the scene a solemn, reflective mood.
Technique
An engraving in the first of two states is presented here. This technique allows for fine lines and a precise rendering of details, as is characteristic of Bruegel's style.
AI-generated description text
Source: Metropolitan Museum of Art · Public Domain (CC0 1.0)