A painting by Leroux of the Vestal Virgins enjoying front row seating in the Roman Colosseum.
Here, we see the Vestal Virgins enjoying one of the many social outings they were treated to - a day at the amphitheater. The Vestals had special seating close to the Imperial Box. I love this painting of the priestesses by Leroux, as he depicts them with a dignity that aligns with their status.
Compare this painting to Gerome’s, which shows a similar scene of the Vestals in the Colosseum, but depicts the Vestals in a very unflattering way—click here to see it in the Gallery.