Притча о мудрых и неразумных девах 1886 * Baron Ernest Friedrich von Liphart (1847-1932/34)

The composition is structured around a central figure, illuminated by a strong light source emanating from behind and above. He stands within a classical architectural setting – a portico defined by substantial columns draped with a vibrant crimson cloth that draws the eye upward. The mans posture suggests authority; he gestures towards a group of women ascending a set of steps.
The figures are divided into two distinct groups, visually separated by the staircase and the scattering of petals across its surface. Five women, clad in flowing white garments, ascend toward the central figure with an air of anticipation and readiness. Their expressions convey piety and attentiveness; they hold lit lamps aloft, signifying preparedness for a spiritual journey or encounter. The artist has rendered their faces with considerable detail, emphasizing individual features while maintaining a sense of collective devotion.
In contrast, below the staircase, five other women are depicted in disarray. They wear more somber, earth-toned clothing and appear to be slumbering or overcome by fatigue. Their lamps lie extinguished beside them, suggesting a lack of foresight and spiritual preparation. The artist’s use of darker colors and slumped postures reinforces their state of negligence. A sense of vulnerability is conveyed through the exposed feet and relaxed poses of these women.
The color palette is dominated by contrasting hues: the bright whites and golds of the ascending group against the muted browns and blues of those below. This chromatic distinction serves to highlight the thematic divide between wisdom and folly, preparedness and complacency. The red drapery behind the central figure acts as a symbolic backdrop, evoking notions of royalty, sacrifice, or divine presence.
The overall effect is one of dramatic tension and moral instruction. Here we see a clear delineation between those who are vigilant in their faith and those who are not, presented within an idealized classical setting that lends weight to the narrative’s significance. The scattering of petals across the steps could be interpreted as symbols of fleeting beauty or lost opportunities, further emphasizing the consequences of spiritual neglect.