The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

William Blake

An item at Metropolitan Museum of Art

Blake'w watercolor contrasts two groups of young women. Those at left hold full oil lamps and their luminous forms are arranged to resemble a classical low-relief sculpture, whereas their companions at right are agitated, dressed in dark clothing, and lack any source of light. The related parable in Matthew 25:1–4 urges spiritual preparedness: "Then shall the kingdom of heaven be likened unto ten virgins, which took their lamps, and went forth to meet the bridegroom. And five of them were wise, and five were foolish. They that were foolish took their lamps, and took no oil with them. But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps." A trumpeting angel flying overhead signifies that the moment of judgment has arrived.

Drawings and Prints

An exhibit at Metropolitan Museum of Art

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish VirginsThe Parable of the Wise and Foolish VirginsThe Parable of the Wise and Foolish VirginsThe Parable of the Wise and Foolish VirginsThe Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

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