“The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins,” created by William Blake in 1822, belongs to the art movement known as Symbolism and is a work of symbolic painting. In the artwork, Blake illustrates a biblical parable from the Gospel of Matthew. The scene is divided into two groups of women: the wise virgins, who hold their lit lamps and keep their composure, and the foolish virgins, who appear distressed and are depicted kneeling and gesticulating with their lamps extinguished. The wise virgins are on the left side, depicted with serene expressions and upright posture, symbolizing preparedness and spiritual readiness. The atmosphere of the painting is ethereal, emphasized by the flowing garments and halos around the figures’ heads, and the darkening sky overhead, which adds a sense of impending judgment and divine presence.
