page_title: Parable of the Ten Virgins
section_title: In the arts
hierarchical_section_title: Parable of the Ten Virgins / In the arts
caption_attribution_description: English: The Parable of the Wise and Foolish VirginsDeutsch: Die klugen und törichten Jungfrauendetail
context_page_description: The Parable of the Ten Virgins, also known as the Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins or the Parable of the ten bridesmaids, is one of the parables of Jesus. According to Matthew 25:1-13, ten virgins await a bridesgroom; five have brought enough oil for their lamps for the wait, while another five need to purchase more oil after the arrival is delayed. The five virgins who are prepared for the bridegroom's arrival are rewarded, while the five who are not prepared are disowned. The parable has a clear eschatological theme: be prepared for the Day of Judgement. It was one of the most popular parables in the Middle Ages and had influence on Gothic art, sculpture and the architecture of German and French cathedrals.
context_section_description: This parable has been a popular subject for painting, sculpture, music, and drama.
caption: Friedrich Wilhelm Schadow, The Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins, 1838–1842 (detail), Städel Museum,  Frankfurt am Main.
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