The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins

c. 1560/1563

Philip Galle after Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Associated Names
Philip Galle

Artist, Netherlandish, 1537 - 1612

Hieronymus Cock

Publisher, Netherlandish, 1518 - 1570

Pieter Bruegel the Elder

Artist After, Netherlandish, c. 1525/1530 - 1569

This is a drawing featuring various figures, some with wings, merging with gothic architectural elements and clouds. Below, individuals engage in spinning and pouring olive oil, alluding to the parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins. The upper section includes angelic figures and possibly wise or biblical figures engaged in a celestial court or gathering, complete with elaborate gothic window designs. Latin text scrolls enhance the narrative aspects of the drawing. Shadows and textures are intricately rendered, capturing depth and movement throughout the composition.

Media Options

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Artwork overview

  • Medium

    engraving on laid paper

  • Credit Line

    Rosenwald Collection

  • Dimensions

    sheet (trimmed to plate): 22.4 × 28.9 cm (8 13/16 × 11 3/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    1980.45.225

  • Catalogue Raisonné

    New Hollstein, no. 147, State i/ii

Artwork history & notes

Bibliography

1908

  • Bastelaer, Rene van. Les estampes de Peter Bruegel l'ancien. Brussels: G. van Oest et Cie, 1908.

1993

  • The New Hollstein Dutch & Flemish Etchings, Engravings and Woodcuts, 1450-1700. (Philips Galle, Manfred Sellink and Marjolein Leesberg, authors). Rotterdam: Sound & Vision Interactive, 1996-, no. 147, state i/ii.

Inscriptions

lower left in image: H. cock excu.; lower right in image: BRVEGEL. INV:; on stairs at upper right: Non noui vos (I know you not); on banderole at center: Ecce sponsus venit exit obviam ei. (Behold, the bridegroom cometh. Go ye out to meet him); lower center, in plate below image: DATE NOBIS DE OLEO VESTRO, QVIA LAMPADES NOSTRAE EXTINGVUN / TVR. / NEQVAQVAM, NEQVANDO NON SVFFICIAT NOBIS ET VOBIS math. 25 ([And the foolish said unto the wise,] Give us of your oil, for our lamps are gone out. [But the wise answered, saying,] Not so, lest there be not enough for us and you. [Matt. 25:8-9]) [translation from Nadine Orenstein, ed., Pieter Bruegel the Elder: Drawings and Prints. Exhibition catalogue. New York: Metropolitan Museum of Art, 2001, p. 208.]

Wikidata ID

Q65579212

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