The Second Wise Virgin
1480-91
Medium
Engraving on paper
Dimensions
12.2 × 8.6 cm (4 13/16 × 3 7/16 in.)
Classification
engraving
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
3957
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
In the late 15th century, Martin Schongauer engraved a series illustrating the Christian New Testament story of the five wise and five foolish virgins. In the prints from that series, two of the wise virgins hold aloft lamps filled with oil, demonstrating their preparedness for the Day of Judgment, whereas empty lamps dangle from the hands of two foolish virgins. As an allegory for remaining chaste and faithful to Christ, the wise virgins bind their hair with bridal wreaths, while the foolish vi...
About the Artist
Martin Schongauer · 1435–1491
Martin Schongauer, born around 1450–1453 in Colmar, Alsace, emerged from a family of skilled artisans. The third of four or five sons of goldsmith Caspar Schongauer, who had relocated from Augsburg to Colmar around 1440, Martin was immersed in the goldsmith's trade from youth, likely receiving his initial training in his father's workshop—a common path for early engravers. He further honed his ski...