The Roman goddess Vesta was guardian of the hearth and keeper of the home. Her temple was attended by ‘Vestal Virgins’, pure young women who were said to represent the daughters of the early Roman kings, and who were charged with keeping Vesta’s sacred fire burning. Here, two Vestal Virgins tend the fire of the temple. This image was painted with great precision and finesse, and Verkolje took particular care over the classical details such as the ornate Corinthian columns around the doorway, and the small statue in the niche. Pictures of historical subjects like this are rare in Verkolje’s oeuvre.