Who painted The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins?

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins was painted by Philip Galle in 1562.

Where can I see The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins?

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins?

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is associated with Renaissance.

Artwork

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

Philip Galle , 1562

The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins is an ink print by the Renaissance artist Philip Galle. It dates from 1562 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Philip Galle’s engraving, dated to around 1562, portrays the biblical parable of the ten virgins from the Gospel of Matthew. Executed on laid paper, the print shows ten women—five equipped with lamps and five without—awaiting the arrival of a bridegroom, a narrative that underscores preparedness and vigilance.

Subject & Meaning

The composition illustrates the moment when the unlit virgins plead for oil, a visual embodiment of the scriptural warning against spiritual negligence. Latin inscriptions at the bottom echo this plea, reinforcing the moral lesson that readiness is essential for salvation.

Technique & Style

Galle employed fine engraving lines to fill the surface with densely packed vignettes: arches framing robed figures, angels bearing scrolls, and everyday activities such as spinning, cooking, and music-making. The intricate hatching creates depth and texture, while the crowded arrangement reflects the artist’s penchant for narrative richness.

History & Provenance

Philip Galle (1537–1612) was a prominent Dutch publisher and engraver based in Antwerp, known for reproducing paintings and designing original prints. This work belongs to his mid‑sixteenth‑century output, a period when he frequently produced religious subjects for the European market.

Context

The parable was a popular motif in Reformation‑era devotional art, serving as a didactic tool for Protestant audiences. Galle’s print, with its Latin caption and detailed domestic scenes, aligns with contemporary efforts to render biblical stories accessible and morally instructive.

Artist & collection

Artist

Philip Galle

Philip (or Philips) Galle (1537 – March 1612) was a Dutch publisher, best known for publishing old master prints, which he also produced as designer and engraver. He is especially known for his reproductive engravings of paintings.