Research
Oil on canvas.
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.
In ancient Rome, Vestal Virgins were a select group of women chosen as girls to become priestesses of Vesta, goddess of the hearth. They were required to take a vow of chastity and service for 30 years, and were tasked with protecting the sacred fire of Vesta and making preparations for rituals in her temple, and as such, their role was regarded as fundamental to the continuance and security of Rome. However, should a Vestal neglect her duties or break her vows the resulting punishment would be severe. For small offenses or letting the sacred fire burn out, a Vestal was whipped, but for breaking the vow of chastity a Vestal was condemned to be buried alive. Plutarch describes the cell into which is “placed a bed, a lighted lamp, and some slight provisions, such as bread, water, milk, and oil…because they thought it was not lawful to kill any person who had been consecrated with the most holy and religious ceremonies in the world.” The Vestal was led down a set of stairs to her cell and, once inside, the steps were removed and the opening sealed with earth.
Full research available on request.