The original Zingara is now in the Louvre, Paris: it is a composite Antique and later full-length figure. The marble draped body is an Ancient Greek work, and the bronze head, arms and feet were added during the 17th century in Rome. It was originally part of the collection in the Villa Borghese in Rome, where several other Antique gipsy and oriental figures resided. Napoleon acquired the Zingara in 1807, it left for France in 1810 and by 1820 was on display in the Louvre.
The fine bronze additions were attributed both to Bernini and to Algardi in the 18th and 19th centuries, but it is more likely that these were executed by Nicolas Cordier (1567-1612) who had restored other Antiquities in the same Collection in this way. The most celebrated of these being Cordier's La Zingarella still in the Villa Borghese.
The Louvre Zingara was greatly admired in the 18th century, and was frequently reproduced, particluarly in England. The head alone was often executed as a free standing bust, both in porcelain and in plaster by Wedgwood, Sheemakers and Cheere respectively. The present example is a fine and delicately carved marble example, possibly English or otherwise intended for the Grand Tourist market. Though the original was not always known as a gipsy, it is unusual to find it inscribed 'Vesta' and this may have been specifically requested by the Antiquarian patron, who may have felt that in the reduced bust form and in white marble the modest inclination of the head suggested the chaste goddess.