"Vestal" oil on canvas

"Vestal" French oil on canvas c1820.

Amongst the Vestal priestesses tasks was maintenance of the fire sacred to Vesta, the goddess of the hearth and home, which is depicted in this picture. One of the incidental roles they played was in providing a source for household fire, anyone could come and use the sacred flame as a glorified oven lighter!

Dimensions: 450 x 580