Artifact World Gallery
Get the iOS app

Artwork

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto]

William Blake, Sir Richmond , 1880

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto], by William Blake, Sir Richmond, chalk, 1880
Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto], by William Blake, Sir Richmond, chalk, 1880

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto] is a chalk drawing by the Impressionist artist William Blake, Sir Richmond. It dates from 1880 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.

About this work

Overview

Created in 1880 by Sir William Blake Richmond, this red‑chalk drawing serves as a preparatory study for his larger composition titled “The Wise and Foolish Virgins.” Executed on wove paper, the work consists of a primary red‑chalk sketch on the recto side together with a counterproof, illustrating Richmond’s exploratory approach to figure placement.

Subject & Meaning

The study depicts two nude male figures viewed from behind, their heads, shoulders and arms rendered in simplified silhouette. Though the biblical narrative of the wise and foolish virgins concerns women, Richmond’s preliminary focus on male forms suggests an investigation of posture and movement that would later inform the composition’s overall spatial dynamics.

Technique & Style

Richmond employed red chalk, a medium that imparts a warm, earthy hue, and allowed the lines to remain soft and smudged. The drawing is executed rapidly, with loose, gestural strokes that capture the basic masses rather than fine detail, indicating a preliminary stage of visual problem‑solving rather than a finished artwork.

History & Provenance

The piece originates from Richmond’s studio in the late nineteenth century and remained within his personal collection before entering the museum’s holdings. Its presence as a recto study, accompanied by a counterproof, provides insight into the artist’s method of iterating compositional ideas before committing to the final oil painting.

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto]
Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto], William Blake, Sir Richmond

Artist & collection

MORE BY WILLIAM BLAKE, SIR RICHMOND

VISUALLY SIMILAR

Similarity 100 percent
This work is in the public domain (CC0). Image source: National Gallery of Art open access. Spotted an error in this record? Tell us.In the collection of National Gallery of Art. Compiled & edited by , Editor & Founder.

Reviews

Frequently asked questions

Who painted Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto]?

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto] was painted by William Blake, Sir Richmond in 1880.

Where can I see Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto]?

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto] is held by National Gallery of Art.

What movement is Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto]?

Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto] is associated with Impressionism.

Can I buy a print of Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto]?

Museum-quality prints of Studies for "The Wise and Foolish Virgins" [recto] are available made-to-order from Artifact World Gallery.