The Fifth Wise Virgin
1474
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
1474
From the collection of Cleveland Museum of Art
The Fifth Wise Virgin is a 1474 by Martin Schongauer, a Renaissance work, held at Cleveland Museum of Art.
The painting depicts a woman in a flowing dress, holding a torch in her right hand. Her long hair cascades down her back, and she wears a wreath on her head. The woman stands on a grassy surface, with her left foot slightly raised. The woman's attire and hairstyle suggest a sense of elegance and refinement. The torch she holds may symbolize wisdom or enlightenment. The grassy surface beneath her feet adds a sense of naturalism to the scene. This painting is a representation of the Fifth Wise Virgin, a biblical figure known for her wisdom and foresight. To learn more about the artistic style and techniques used in this painting, explore the Renaissance movement.