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John J. NAPIER - English School, late 19th century - Parable of the Wise and Foolish Virgins.
This painting illustrates the parable of the wise and foolish virgins or the parable of the ten bridesmaids, one of Jesus' parables.
According to Matthew 25:1-13, ten virgins await the bridegroom; five of them have brought enough oil for their lamps for the wait, while the oil of the other five runs out. The five virgins who have prepared themselves for the bridegroom's arrival are rewarded, while the five who have gone to buy extra oil miss the bridegroom's arrival and are disowned.
Here, only two virgins are depicted.
Label on the back of the painter John Napier
Symbolist of the English School
John J. NAPIER, portrait painter, exhibited at the Royal Academy from 1856 to 1876 and at the British Institution.
Biography
John James Napier was a Victorian portrait painter active in London between 1856 and 1876[1], during which time he exhibited at the Royal Academy and the British Institution.
He married Janet Parker Vance Langmuir on 2 April 1858 in Glasgow and they had two children, Janet and James. His wife died on 26 May 1862, aged 29.
Napier died on 20 March 1877 and is buried with his son James on the west side of Highgate Cemetery: London (National portrait gallery), Victoria.
Oil on canvas, 136 x 167 cm
Ref: 6JF8B8UZHI