A Vestal Virgin Tending Fire, c. 1726¡V27, Fran?ois Lemoyne, French, 1688¡V1737, 35 x 42 in. (88.9 x 106.68 cm) (canvas)43 3/8 x 47 1/4 x 2 in. (110.17 x 120.02 x 5.08 cm) (outer frame), Oil on canvas, France, 18th century, 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. Fran?ois 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.