According to the New Testament parable, the wise virgins (on the right), by saving their lamp oil, are able to light the bridegroom’s way when he arrives at night, a clear allegory of Christ’s coming. He is able to recognise them and move on to the wedding, in keeping with the old wedding tradition. On the other hand, the foolish virgins (on the left), having run out of oil, remained in the dark, some of them falling asleep. The parable offers a warning to the young female guests of the Ospedale degli Incurabili to be ready for Christ’s second coming on the Day of Judgment.