The Rape Of Proserpine By Bernini

The Rape Of Proserpine By Bernini, a reproduction Statue. Pluto and Proserpina shows Pluto, powerful god of the underworld, abducting Proserpina, daughter of Ceres. In this group Bernini develops the twisting pose reminiscent of Mannerism, combined with an impression of vital energy (in pushing against Pluto's face, Proserpina's hand creases his skin and his fingers sink into the flesh of his victim). Seen from the left, the group shows Pluto taking a fast and powerful stride and grasps Proserpina. From the front he appears triumphantly bearing his trophy in his arms; from the right, you see Proserpina's tears as she prays to heaven, the wind blowing her hair, as the guardian of Hades, the three-headed dog, barks. Various moments of the story are thus summed up in a single sculpture.

Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 1680) was an Italian sculptor and architect. While a major figure in the world of architecture, he was the leading sculptor of his age, credited with creating the Baroque style of sculpture. In addition, he was a painter (mostly small canvases in oil) and a man of the theater: he wrote, directed and acted in plays and also designed stage sets and theatrical machinery, as well as a wid(more...)