Die ‚bärtigen Jungfrauen‘ Das Gleichnis von den zehn Jungfrauen (Mt 25,1-13) in Armenien zwischen Exegese und Kunst

The article traces the Armenian exegesis (fifth-fourteenth century) of the parable of the ten virgins (Mt 25,1-13), highlighting its Greek sources, but also its originalities. Among the iconographic manifestations, the article focuses on two very singular works: a bas-relief from the Hovhannavank‘ monastery and a miniature by the copyist Yovsian, where the virgins are replaced by men. In addition to the connection of these iconographies with the liturgical tradition and the eschatological perspective, explored in some recent studies, the article shows how the explanation of this unusual iconography of the bearded virgins must be sought in the constant Armenian exegesis, which reinterprets the parable in reference to the spirituality of male monastic communities.