The First Foolish VirginMartin SchongauerNone

  • Painting mediumEngraving
  • Medium typeWallArt
  • Art movementNorthern Renaissance
  • Art periodRenaissance
  • Dimensions122.0 x 84.0 cm
  • MuseumSzépmûvészeti Múzeum

Martin Schongauer (1450 – 1491)

Explore Martin Schongauer's engravings & paintings! A master of Gothic art & Northern Renaissance detail, influencing artists like Michelangelo. Discover his iconic style today.

Szépmûvészeti Múzeum (Budapest, Hungary)

Explore European art history at the Szépművészeti Múzeum in Budapest! Discover ancient Egyptian treasures, Old Masters & modern masterpieces within a stunning palace on Heroes’ Square.

Scene 33 of the cycle on the life of St Benedict depicts as Benedict gives posthumous absolution to two nuns, fleeing from their graves during Mass, whom he had threatened with excommunication.One notable scene of the cycle is devoted to the story of two haughty and talkative nuns whom Benedict had threatened with excommunication (Scene 33). Both died soon afterward, and during Mass their nurse saw how they rose up out of their graves and fled from the church. Benedict promptly administered the host to the errant souls, thereby luring them back into the bosom of the community.The composition of this scene is clearly indebted to Pinturicchio's cycle in the Piccolomini Library in Siena. The shape of the interior and arrangement of the picture space are borrowed from the scene of Enea Silvio Piccolomini's coronation as Pius II, whereas the grouping of figures, especially that of the ones seen from the back in the foreground, recall the scene in which Piccolomini is elevated to the rank of cardinal.

About this artwork

  • Title: The First Foolish Virgin
  • Artist: Martin Schongauer
  • Original dimensions: 122.0 x 84.0 cm
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Szépmûvészeti Múzeum
  • Movement: Northern Renaissance
  • Medium: Engraving
  • Medium type: WallArt
  • Color palette: Neutrals

Quick Facts

  • Title: The First Foolish Virgin
  • Artistic style: Northern Renaissance engraving
  • Artist: Martin Schongauer
  • Dimensions: 122 x 84 cm
  • Subject or theme: Life of St Benedict; Nuns rising from graves

Questions & Answers

What is a reproduction of "The First Foolish Virgin" by Martin Schongauer recommended for?

The recommended use of a print of "The First Foolish Virgin" is accent.

Toward which tone does "The First Foolish Virgin" lean?

The dominant hue of "The First Foolish Virgin" by Martin Schongauer is green to violet spectrum. The hue is the underlying tone of the palette.

What size should I print "The First Foolish Virgin" for my room?

The recommended pairing for "The First Foolish Virgin" by Martin Schongauer: a medium print in a living room.

Who is the author of "The First Foolish Virgin", and in which movement?

"The First Foolish Virgin" was created by Martin Schongauer in the Northern Renaissance style. Artist and movement identify the work's tradition.

What style does "The First Foolish Virgin" belong to?

"The First Foolish Virgin" by Martin Schongauer belongs to the Northern Renaissance movement. This movement provides the stylistic context of the work.

What is "The First Foolish Virgin" about, and what atmosphere does it have?

"The First Foolish Virgin" by Martin Schongauer combines religious allegory, medieval art, engraving technique, gothic style, penitence, virgin mary, biblical narrative with a serene atmosphere.

Which artist is "The First Foolish Virgin" attributed to?

The artist behind "The First Foolish Virgin" is Martin Schongauer. The work is catalogued under Martin Schongauer's name.

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