Artwork
The Fourth of the Foolish Virgins
The Fourth of the Foolish Virgins is a print by the Renaissance artist Martin Schongauer. It dates from 1474 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.
- Accession no.
- 1926.465
- Credit line
- Dudley P. Allen Fund
About this work
Overview
The Fourth of the Foolish Virgins is a print by Martin Schongauer, dated to 1474, and is part of the collection at The Cleveland Museum of Art.
Subject & Meaning
The print depicts a standing woman holding a lit candle and a dark cloak, likely representing one of the foolish virgins from a biblical parable. The scene is quiet and focused, with the candle as the sole light source.
Technique & Style
The drawing features sharp lines and textured folds in the cloak, suggesting a high level of detail and realism. The style is characteristic of Schongauer's work, with a focus on precise rendering of the subject.
Context
Prints like this one were often used to illustrate biblical stories and teachings, indicating the work's original purpose was likely educational or devotional.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Martin Schongauer (c. 1450–1453, Colmar – 2 February 1491, Breisach), also known as Martin Schön ("Martin beautiful") or Hübsch Martin ("pretty Martin") by his contemporaries, was an Alsatian engraver and painter. He…
