The Brigham Young University Museum of Art features magnificent works of art from around the world, highlighting artists new and old in an effort to showcase the beauty of the artistic experience. One particular exhibition entitled Magnifying the Lord: Six Centuries of Art and Devotion contains over 75 paintings, all with the mission of “celebrating the Lord through depictions of His life and mission, as well as presenting other examples of Christian faithfulness such as saints and prophets, the whose examples and teachings oriented the faithful towards Christ" (Magnificare). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay My impression of this event was that it fully achieved its goal of honoring the Lord Jesus Christ through various depictions of his life, teachings, and teachings. members. A deep, reverent emotion permeated the exhibit as viewers reflected and grew closer to Christ. A painting from 1856 caught my eye, a piece titled The Wise and Foolish Virgin by Julius Rotermund. The aspect of the event that I will focus on is what this painting teaches us about being ready to greet the Lord. A unique but important theme that I would like to explore is the theme of preparation shown in this painting. More specifically, I will examine the symbols and lines used in association with the two virgins to show how Rotermund depicts the prepared and the unprepared. I chose this focus because I believe the theme is the most imperative of the parable and the elements used in the painting are truly beautiful. To delve deeper into the parable itself, a group of ten virgins, representing humanity, are awaiting the arrival of the groom, who represents Christ. All ten virgins have lamps in which they must store the oil, so that when the groom arrives they can follow him and participate in the wedding. But when the groom arrives, five of the ten virgins have not kept the oil lamps well cared for and have to go and buy some. Since they are gone, they lose their chance to follow the groom and are not admitted to the wedding. Rotermund uses many religious symbols in this painting, however I will only discuss the symbols that directly identify the prepared and unprepared virgin. The first and most obvious symbol are the lamps themselves, around which the whole parable revolves. The virgin on the left holds her lamp aloft as a symbol of our divine potential to be saved. A small flame can be seen from the spout, indicating that the lamp is filled with oil. This image alone is filled with deeper meaning, as the oil symbolizes our testimony and good works, all flowing into our personal dignity and willingness to greet Christ when He comes. The single flame is a representation of the light of Christ, as well as an indicator of eternal life. The last symbol found on the virgin on the left is the laurel wreath that sits on her head. These laurel wreaths are "... a symbol of eternal glory, of special achievements, success and triumph" (Laurel). This indicates that she has accomplished something of value, even eternal value, and has been crowned the victor. All these symbols found on the virgin on the left identify her as the prepared virgin, who kept her oil lamp lit to welcome the groom. The virgin on the right, however, shows a completely different story. The oil lamp is still in his hands, but hangs sadly at his side. The ornate cap found on the prepared virgin's lamp is missing and is obviously devoid of oil or flame. Lacking those essential parts, this is undeniably an allusion to the unprepared virgin who has no faith or.