Head of an unwise Virgin

myminifactory

This is a cast of a head of one of the many sculptures lining the portals to Strasbourg Cathedral. The copy lacks a back of the head, suggesting this head was only cast from the front. The original work, which can be found as part of a group on the West Facade, South Portral Tympanum, is part of a scene of The Last Judgement and the Wise and Foolish Virgins. The parable of the wise and foolish virgins (Matthew 25:1-13) is often associated with medieval representations of the Last Judgement since the parable is usually read as a warning to be prepared for the Second Coming. The far left figure of the group of four depicts a seductive man (an iconographic innovation) smiling and offering an apple to the virgins. Although he is handsome, his back is crawling with hideous reptiles. The virgins to his side have all dropped or lowered their lanterns, giving in to the devil. Other versions of the wise/unwise virgin parable can be found here.