Why it matters
Pluto carries the struggling Proserpina over the border of the underworld, marked by a marble Cerberus. Bernini was only 23 when he finished the group, which has been praised for its realism: the marble seems to become flesh.
Did you know?
- It was carved in 1621–1622.
- Cardinal Scipione Borghese gave it to Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi, possibly to gain favour.
- A trickle of tears runs down Proserpina's cheek.
- It is the only Bernini work for which preparatory material survives.
Based on the Wikipedia article The Rape of Proserpina (CC BY-SA 4.0).
