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The Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins

Unknown

1550

From the collection of Statens Museum for Kunst

Dominant colour

The Parable of the Wise and the Foolish Virgins is a 1550 by Unknown, held at Statens Museum for Kunst.

Who painted this?: Unknown
When & what style?: 1550
Where can I see it?: Statens Museum for Kunst

About this work

This room is packed with people and objects. Two women in fancy clothes sit in the center—one in red, one in blue—while others stand or kneel around them. The walls are covered in small paintings, and shelves hold books and odd trinkets. A table in front of the women holds plates and a small chest. The floor is scattered with scattered items like dice and a broken vase. The women look serious, almost like they’re waiting for something important. The smaller figures around them seem to be serving or observing, but no one is talking. The room feels crowded with meaning, like a story is about to unfold. Next, check out chiaroscuro to see how light and shadow create drama in paintings.