Bust of a Vestal by Pasquale Romanelli

myminifactory

This bust of a vestal is the work of Pasquale Romanelli. A vestal in ancient Rome was a priestess consecrated to the goddess Vesta, who presided over the household. Initially, it's likely that there were two vestals, but later, their number increased to six. Their importance lies in the fact that the College of Vestals and its well-being were considered essential for Rome's continuity and security. As public priestesses, they represented Vesta to the Roman people, which was a unique role in a priesthood dominated by men. Pasquale Romanelli was a renowned Florentine sculptor known for his exquisite marble figures depicting mythological and biblical scenes. He honed his craft at the Accademia di Belle Arti in Florence under Luigi Pampaloni's guidance before working with Lorenzo Bartolini, a prominent Tuscan neoclassical sculptor. Romanelli remained in Bartolini's favor and collaborated on several projects together. Upon Bartolini's death in 1850, Romanelli took over his studio and continued to execute important commissions for monuments, including those for Vittorio Fossombroni in Arezzo, Masi in Pavia, and Demidoff in Florence. Romanelli's final tribute to his master was a tomb monument in Santa Croce in Florence. Following Romanelli's death in 1887, his son Raffaello and grandson Romano inherited his workshop and carried on his legacy.