Artwork
Les Vierges sages, Nul vain objet...
Les Vierges sages, Nul vain objet... is an ink print by the Baroque artist Abraham Bosse. It dates from 1639 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Les Vierges sages, Nul vain objet.
About this work
Overview
Les Vierges sages, Nul vain objet... is an engraving created by French artist Abraham Bosse in 1639, exemplifying his proficiency in printmaking, a key medium for his 17th-century reputation.
Subject & Meaning
The engraving portrays a solemn scene of five 'wise virgins,' a motif common in religious and moralistic art of the era, conveying themes of devotion and contemplation.
Technique & Style
Bosse employed intricate cross-hatching, evident in the dense, crisscrossing lines, to achieve deep shadows and textured surfaces within the dimly lit, rustic interior.
History & Provenance
Created in 1639, the work showcases Bosse's engagement with 17th-century printmaking. Specific provenance details are not provided.
Context
The inclusion of French textual elements around the edges adds a poetic layer, enhancing the serene, focused atmosphere of the scene, characteristic of the period's artistic storytelling.
Artist & collection
Artist
Abraham Bosse (c. 1604 – 14 February 1676) was a French artist, mainly as a printmaker in etching, but also in watercolour.
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Court of the Former State Inquisitors
Death
Peter Denying Christ
The Prodigal Son's Father Orders the Best Robe and the Slaughter of the Fatted Calf
The Feast Celebrating the Return of the Prodigal Son
The Last Supper
The Prodigal Son: Dressing for the Feast
Belshazzar's Feast
Qu'en dit l'Abbé?
Le belle nourrice