“The wise and foolish virgins,” an exquisite oil painting on canvas by the renowned artist Tintoretto, exemplifies the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. This religious painting is housed in the Museum Boijmans van Beuningen in Rotterdam, Netherlands.
The artwork vividly portrays a biblical parable depicting ten virgins, five wise and five foolish, who await the arrival of the bridegroom. The wise virgins are shown with lit lamps, ready for the coming event, symbolizing preparedness and wisdom. In contrast, the foolish virgins, depicted with extinguished lamps, represent recklessness and unpreparedness. The multi-tiered composition and dynamic poses of the figures demonstrate Tintoretto’s masterful use of perspective and movement, characteristic of the Mannerist style. Rich in symbolism and meticulous detail, the painting encapsulates a moral lesson rooted in Christian tradition, maintaining a dramatic and emotionally engaging atmosphere.