The Rape of Proserpina

The Rape of Proserpina
Artist	Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Year	1621–1622
Type	Marble
Dimensions	295 cm (116 in)
Location	Galleria Borghese, Rome

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

(Redirected from The Rape of Proserpine (Bernini))

Jump to: navigation, search

For the myth, see Rape of Proserpine.

The Rape of Proserpina is a large Baroque marble sculptural group by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini executed between 1621 and 1622. Bernini was only 23 years old at its completion. It depicts Proserpina being seized and taken to the underworld by Pluto, depicting "rape" in its archaic meaning of "kidnapping".

The twisted contrapposto or figura serpentinata pose is reminiscent of Mannerism, and allows the simultaneous depiction of the abduction (as seen from the left, with Pluto striding to grasp her), the arrival in the underworld (as seen from the front, he appears triumphantly bearing his trophy in his arms) and her prayer to her mother Ceres to return to the real world 6 months a year (as seen from the right, with Proserpina's tears, the wind blowing her hair, and Cerberus barking). Pushing against Pluto's face Proserpina's hand creases his skin, while his fingers sink into the flesh of his victim. Proserpina’s lips are slightly opened, as if she were screaming and begging for help. Upon closer examination, one would notice the delicately crafted marble tears that look as though they are dripping down her face.

Bernini's principal patron Scipione Borghese funded it but then gave it to Cardinal Ludovisi in 1622, who took it to his villa. It remained there until 1908, when the Italian state purchased it and returned it to the Galleria Borghese.

In 1811 the Russian sculptor Vasily Demut-Malinovsky created a sculpture also titled "The Rape of Proserpina". The statue currently resides in Saint-Petersburg.