Veiled Vestals by Raffaelle Monti - amazing what he could do with marble! Vestals were priestesses of the godess of the hearth, Vesta, in ancient Rome. They were powerful and influental in the Roman state, able to grant pardon and were in charge of safekeeping of wills and testaments, including Ceasars. Girls were chosen to be Vestals between ages 6 and 10, and they were commited to the College of the Vestas for 30 years, where they were tasked with maintaining Vestas sacred fire. The penalty for failing to maintain the fire or unchastity was death - they would be burried alive in a chamber, as spilling Vestal blood was considered a sin. When Vestal Tuccia was accused of unchastity she proved her innocence by carrying water in a sieve. After their 30 years of service was over they were absolved of their duties and were free to marry and were given a pension. They would typically be arranged to marry noblemen, as marriage to a former Vestal was considered to bring luck and was a great privilege. And if youve seen Pride and prejudice with Keira Knightley youve seen this statue in Pemberley (Chatsworth House IRL #chatsworthoffical) . . . . . . #raffaellemonti #veiledvestalvirgin #veiledvirgin #pencilartwork #drawingpractice #drawing✏ #sketch_daily #graphitedrawings #graphitesketch #sketchbookart #graphiteart #graphitepencil #pencildrawingart #graphiteartist #pencilstudy #traditionaldrawing #traditionaldrawings #traditionalart #artdailydose https://www.instagram.com/p/CDZO2IclRBK/?igshid=1b6rbk7oyg59k