Les vierges sages, G.91(2), Abraham Bosse, between 1635 and 1645

Author(s): bosse, abraham (tours, between 1602 and 1604 - paris, between 14–02–1676 and 16–2–1676), engraver bosse, abraham (tours, between 1602 and 1604 - paris, between 14–02–1676 and 16–2–1676), designer le blond, jean 1er (in 1666), editor other title: the wise virgins keep watch while awaiting the arrival of the bridegroom (dummy title) date of production: between 1635 and 1645 dating in centuries: 2nd quarter of the 17th century type(s) of object(s): graphic arts, print name(s): print materials and techniques: etching dimensions - artwork: height: 22. 4cm width: 32. 4cm description: plate 2 of a series of seven plates concerning the wise virgins and the foolish virgins. Marks, inscriptions, hallmarks: letter - on the front, at the bottom, printed in ink: "the wise virgins", "le blond excud. Avec privilege du roy. " legend - on the front, at the bottom, printed in ink, verses: "no vain object can distract / these wise virgins at all times; / to the fools their contrary mood / talks about constant pleasures. // the night, when the others doze / with a rest that seems sweet to them; / they reason and watch / waiting for their celestial spouse. // the world in vain makes war on them, / since it is certain that their eyes, closed to the shadows of the earth, / only open to the clarity of the heavens // it is only wisdom / that they set themselves as their goal / and that guides them / in the true path of salvation. Stamp - on the front, bottom right, in red ink and purple ink: "ville / de / paris" (cf. Lugt suppl. 2012c). Stamp - on the front, bottom center, in black ink: "carnavalet" watermark inventory number - on the front, bottom right, in black ink: "r. G:91" iconographic description: wise virgins seated in an interior, dozing in front of the fireplace. To the left, through the window, a crescent moon. On a sideboard chest covered with a plain carpet, five oil lamps. Worship of the magi. In the foreground on the left, on a table covered with a carpet, books, including an open folio, leaning on a cross (old testament). 17th century furniture. 17th century fashion. Mode of acquisition: purchase date of acquisition: 06–1886 institution: carnavalet museum, history of paris inventory number: g. 91 part of: wise virgins and foolish virgins. Date: between 1635 and 1645.