18th century school The Observation of the Hymen or the Virginity Test A very rare subject, this miniature illustrates a premarital examination under the Ancien Régime. Under the watchful eyes of five men and one woman, including a representative of the Church, a doctor, the future husband and the father, a young woman undergoes an inspection to certify her virginity. This type of representation bears witness to the customs and beliefs of the time concerning feminine honour and purity. Rare miniature on paper. Diameter: 8 cm. (Inscription in Italian on the back of the frame).