Antique 19c French miniature portrait of a Lady depicted as a Vestal Virgin, the powerful priestesses of Rome's sacred flame. She is portrayed with a veil and gowned in white, posed beside the sacred flaming brazier. The allegory of the Vestal Virgin in Roman society represents the ideal of chastity, religious devotion, and the preservation of the state's well-being, with the Vestals acting as guardians of the sacred fire and facing severe consequences for breaking their vows. Gouche on wafer. Housed under convex glass in a round wooden frame with bronze or brass surround. In very good antique condition with general signs of age. Frame measures 4" diameter x 3/4" deep, the portrait measures 2 1/8" diameter (sight). The back bears a label for the highly awarded hair art and jeweler Maison Charleux, "Fournisseur de la Reine d 'Espagne," which was well known by 1857 and remained in business until the beginning of the twentieth century.