Betwixt the Vestals!

Description from Carltonhobbs.com "This painting, which depicts a Vestal Virgin condemned to death for breaking her vow of chastity, appears to be the preliminary study or modello for a similar version by Pietro Saja (1779-1833) that hangs in the Palazzo Reale in Caserta, near Naples (figure 1). Like the Caserta example, the present painting portrays a Vestal reclining morosely in a small chamber after having received the sentence of burial alive. A loaf of bread and ewer rest on the floor and a lamp shines from the opening of the window. The composition and lighting of the two paintings are very similar, although there are some significant differences. These include the position of the Vestal’s veil, the placement of the drapery and the shape of the bed, and the positions of the vases at the foot of the bed and on the windowsill."

Dr G talks all about the Vestal Virgins with Dr Kate Lister over on the popular ‘Betwixt the Sheets’ podcast. Listen if you dare!

The Partial Historians - Ancient Roman History with smart ladies
0 Comments