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Biagio di Antonio
Tucci
The painter of this picture was previously confused with three other painters:
Andrea Utili, Giovanni Battista Utili and Benedetto Ghirlandaio. In fact
his name is Biagio di Antonio da Firenze. He trained in Florence for 30
years and was undoubtedly influenced by Florentine artists including Filippo
Lippi. Later he worked in Faenza and reputedly in the Sistine Chapel in
the Vatican City. He is known for having produced a number of cassone
(chest) paintings and spalliera panels, of which this may be one.
The Vestal Virgins
Vesta was the goddess of hearth and home and was particularly venerated
by the Romans. It was thought that if the fire of Vesta was extinguished
the Republic would be endangered by sudden calamity. To prevent such disasters
six girls were consecrated as priestesses to keep the flames burning.
Chosen between the ages of 6 and 10 years, Vestal Virgins could come from
all social levels, but had to be of good family and strong and healthy.
They were obliged to carry out their duties for thirty years and only
after that could they consider marriage. Those who did not keep their
vow of chastity were buried alive. Vestal virgins enjoyed many privileges,
such as the right to make a will (unlike other women) and the right to
be seated in the most honourable places at public games and festivals.
It was a capital crime to insult a Vestal Virgin and anyone attempting
to violate her would be beaten to death.
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