The Parable of the [Ten] Virgins (The Parables of Our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ)

It took Millais seven years to design twenty images inspired by New Testament Parables for the Dalziel Brothers, and the resulting prints are considered pinnacles of wood engraved illustration. The artist wrote to his publishers, "I can do ordinary drawings as quickly as most men, but these designs can scarcely be regarded in the same light—each Parable I illustrate perhaps a dozen times before I fix [the image]." After completing a design, Millais transferred it to a woodblock coated with "Chinese" white for skilled engravers to carve. Finally, he reviewed proofs, and final adjustments were made before the final printing.
The Parable of the Ten (or Wise and Foolish Virgins) appears in Matthew 25: 1-13 and inspired Millais to make two designs. In this first image he contrasts two groups of girls. The wise ones have remained awake and kept their lamps ready so that when a wedding feast is suddently announced, they are prepared for a nighttime journey. Their foolish companions have, however, fallen asleep and let their lamps burn out which means they will miss the celebration. Pre-Raphaelite ideals shaped the combination of detailed naturalism and down-to-earth imagery to produce a work distinctly different than most religious art of the period.