Lot Essay
Several studies for the present drawing are extant, one of which was exhibited in Salzburg, Österreichische Barockzeichnungen aus dem Museum der Schönen Künste in Budapest, Budapest, 1981, no. 48, illustrated. The drawing was executed in 1783 upon the artist's return from Italy, where he had worked for over two years at the court of Naples and in Rome. The drawing reflects both Füger's interest in classic art as well as his respect for the art of Mengs.
A painting of the same subject is mentioned in the travel diaries of the writer J.H. Landolt 'On a small scale he painted a Vestal Virgin who is being led to her execution' in 1786, Salzburg, op. cit., p. 108. An oil-sketch of the same subject, executed in the late 1790s, is in the Harrach Collection, Rohrau, Schwarzenberg, op. cit., p. 54.
The drawing probably shows a scene from Roman mythology which is reported, among others, by Ovid (Fasti 4:291-348, 6:585-610). It seems to represent the moment after the verdict either against Claudia or Tuccia, both Vestal Virgins falsely accused of having broken their vows of chastity. Each of them, however, proves her innocence by performing a miracle.
A painting of the same subject is mentioned in the travel diaries of the writer J.H. Landolt 'On a small scale he painted a Vestal Virgin who is being led to her execution' in 1786, Salzburg, op. cit., p. 108. An oil-sketch of the same subject, executed in the late 1790s, is in the Harrach Collection, Rohrau, Schwarzenberg, op. cit., p. 54.
The drawing probably shows a scene from Roman mythology which is reported, among others, by Ovid (Fasti 4:291-348, 6:585-610). It seems to represent the moment after the verdict either against Claudia or Tuccia, both Vestal Virgins falsely accused of having broken their vows of chastity. Each of them, however, proves her innocence by performing a miracle.