The Abduction of Proserpina

The abduction of Proserpina. A detail on the right side of the sculpture showing how Pluto's fingers tighten the body of Proserpina.

The Rapture of Proserpina is a sculpture made by Gian Lorenzo Bernini between the years 1621 and 1622 belonging, therefore, to the Baroque.

It was commissioned by Scipione Borghese, who gave it to Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi in 1622, who took her to his villa. It remained there until 1908, when the Italian State acquired it and it returned it to the Galleria Borghese.

It is a large marble statue, belonging to a sculptural group executed by the artist. It represents Proserpine (Persephone in Greek mythology) being kidnapped by Pluto (Hades in Greek mythology), ruler of the underworld. The position, a twisted counterpoint, is reminiscent of Mannerism, and allows a simultaneous observation of the rapture (as seen from the left) with Pluto trying to keep Proserpina subject; of the arrival at Hades (looking forward, he seems to carry his victim in his arms); and of the request of Proserpina to its mother to return during six months to the Earth (if we contemplate from the right, with the tears of the woman, the wind on its hair and the Can Cerbero barking).

Proserpina's head is plucked out by stretching her skin, and her fingers cruelly squeeze the flesh of Proserpina trying to immobilize her.

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