Luke 12

Verse 35-38: The wise and the foolish virgin The wise and the foolish virgin,
Painted by Jan Adam Kruseman (1804-1862),
Painted circa 1848,
Oil on canvas
Jan Cunen Museum, Oss, Netherlands
Source: Christian Art
Ft. Patrick van der Vorst:
"Stay dressed for action and keep your lamps burning" are the starting words in our Gospel reading. Our painting by the Dutch artist Jan Kruseman brings to life the parable of the wise and foolish virgins. The wise virgin stands alert, lamp burning, jar of oil ready at her side. Beside her, the foolish virgin slumps in sleep, her lamp extinguished, clinging instead to her pearls, symbols of worldly vanity. One looks outward with purpose, the other inward with complacency, simply falling asleep.