The fourth foolish Virgin, ca. 1475

From the Series 'The Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins'

Blatt: 126 x 89 mm
Darstellung: 123 x 84 mm

Physical Description: Engraving

Inventory Number: 33770

Object Number: 33770 D

Acquisition: Acquired in 1840

Status: Can be presented in the study room of the Graphische Sammlung (special opening hours)

Texts

About the Work

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.

Work Data

Basic Information

Title: The fourth foolish Virgin
From the Series 'The Five Wise and Five Foolish Virgins'

Artist

Martin Schongauer

Part Number / Total: 9 / 10

Period Produced

15th century

Object Type

art print

Physical Description: Engraving

Material

Vergé paper

Technique

copperplate engraving

Geographic Reference

German

Label at the Time of Manufacture: Monogrammiert in der Platte unten mittig: M+S

Captions Added Later: Verso bezeichnet unten links (mit Bleistift): B. 85
Verso unten rechts Stempel des Städelschen Kunstinstituts, Frankfurt am Main (Lugt 2356), mit zugehöriger Inventarnummer