A Vestal Virgin Tending Fire, c. 1726–27
François Lemoyneexpand_more
Oil on canvasexpand_more
The Ethel Morrison Van Derlip Fundexpand_more 65.48
Not on Viewexpand_more
The Vestal Virgins were priestesses dedicated to Vesta, the Roman goddess of hearth and home. Their job was to keep the altar fire in their temple continually burning. François Lemoyne depicts a lovely young Vestal looking skyward in pious devotion as she tends the fire. The painting was meant to be installed high above a doorway, which explains the low vantage point and loose handling.
In France, Lemoyne was one of the most important history painters of his generation, serving as first painter to King Louis XV. The fierce rivalries at court proved too stressful for the artist, however, and he committed suicide at the peak of his career.
Details
- Title
- A Vestal Virgin Tending Fire
- Artist Life
- 1688–1737
- Role
- Artist
- Accession Number
- 65.48
- Curator Approved
This record is from historic documentation and may not have been reviewed by a curator, so may be inaccurate or incomplete. Our records are frequently revised and enhanced. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please email collectionsdata@artsmia.org.
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