Ten virgins Sir Edward Burne-Jones (1833-1898)

The artwork presents a scene steeped in melancholy and introspection, dominated by a monochromatic palette that reinforces its somber mood. Here we see a group of figures gathered around what appears to be a makeshift structure built over water. The composition is divided into distinct planes: the foreground occupied by the immediate surroundings, the middle ground containing the central figures, and the background receding into an indistinct, shadowy landscape.
The most prominent element is the cluster of women, draped in flowing garments that suggest both vulnerability and restraint. Their postures are characterized by a profound sense of sorrow; many have their faces obscured or bowed, conveying grief, contemplation, or perhaps even despair. One figure leans heavily against a wooden support, her body language communicating exhaustion and emotional burden. The arrangement suggests a shared experience, a collective mourning or reflection on loss.
The structure itself is rudimentary, constructed from rough-hewn timber and partially overgrown with vegetation. This evokes a sense of isolation and fragility, as if the figures are sheltered in a temporary refuge from an unseen threat or hardship. A small opening within the structure reveals additional faces peering out, their expressions mirroring the sadness of those below. These hidden observers contribute to the feeling of confinement and surveillance.
The water that surrounds the structure is rendered with subtle tonal variations, creating a sense of depth and reflecting the somber light above. The presence of water can be interpreted symbolically – representing cleansing, renewal, or perhaps the passage of time and loss.
Subtly embedded within the scene are elements that hint at narrative complexity. The figures’ attire suggests a classical or historical setting, yet their expressions and postures resonate with universal themes of grief and human suffering. The overall effect is one of quiet tragedy, prompting contemplation on mortality, faith, and the enduring power of sorrow. The artist has skillfully employed light, shadow, and composition to create an atmosphere of profound emotional weight, leaving room for individual interpretation regarding the specific nature of their shared experience.