The Most Sensational Sculpture: The Rape of Proserpina

The Rape of Proserpina is a large Baroque marble sculptural group by Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, executed between 1621 and 1622. It was completed when Bernini was only 23 years old. Now it is on display at the Galleria Borghese in Rome.

It shows the Proserpina Abduction, in which Pluto, the god, captures Proserpina and drags her to the underworld.

The sculpture’s characters have expressive faces and emotions that are clear to read. Pluto’s body is strong and muscular, but Proserpine finds it difficult to avoid his excessive erotic rage.