Les Vierges folles

1864

Millais turns a biblical lesson into a dramatic, stormy nightmare in this scene from the Parable of the Ten Virgins. The 'foolish' women, having forgotten to bring extra oil for their lamps, are caught in the rain and darkness; one has dramatically fainted on the ground while the others look up in despair at a figure holding a lamp above them. Created for the Dalziel Brothers' 1864 book of parables, this wood engraving showcases the intense emotion and meticulous detail typical of the Pre-Raphaelite movement. It’s a vivid visual warning that procrastination leads to a very wet and miserable fate!

Technique: Wood engraving

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