Open Edition 13 x 19 This painting was difficult to execute not because of the design or palette or any other artistc consideration but because of the intended message. If you read the parable of the wise and foolish virgins in the gospel of Matthew 25;1-13 with the understanding that Jesus prefaced it in saying "The kingdom of heaven is like..." then you realize how weighty is the responsibility of keeping our lamps going and full of oil. The foolish virgins were wholly unprepared for the bridegrooms coming and therefore missed out on the wedding feast. In fact when they tried to get in later His response was to say " I know you not." If we therefore follow this to It's logical conclusion they missed out on heaven because they had no relationship with the bridegroom. And how is yours? Do not be unprepared, because we do not know the day nor the hour wherein the Son of man cometh.