Pluto and Proserpina (or The Rape of Proserpina)

 

For this blog I’d like to first talk about my choice in artist. Gian Lorenzo Bernini, an Italian artist who developed a deep love and influence within Greek and Roman marble sculptures during his early years. First beginning his career studying under his father, Pietro Bernini, a talented sculptor who ultimately moved to Rome (Howard, 2021). Gian Lorenzo Bernini achieved fame early on, praise given from both elevated society within Rome as well as other painters and artist. Most importantly, Bernini was heavily influenced by his strong Roman Catholicism. He thoroughly agreed with the Council of Trent, art should be realistic and emotional in that it should strike inspiration in the faithful and serve the Roman Catholic Church (Howard, 2021). The piece I have chosen of Bernini’s for the Baroque Blog will only highlight his talent and attention to detail in his goals to make sculptures that are eerily realistic and emotional in presentation. However, contrary to his deep religion, this piece is solely a reflection of Greek Mythology, speaking of Bernini’s inspiration and fascination rather than beliefs.

Bernini’s Pluto and Proserpina is a haunting piece of realistic sculpting that many wouldn’t believe is possible in the manner of which he achieved it. This sculpture began as a marble square block, that was chiseled and drilled away to gain the details that Bernini accomplishes. Looking at this sculpture you would assume it is made by separate pieces of clay and wax that are molded to a solid piece of stone, in order, to achieve the detail and contours of which Bernini has. Look at the flexibility of the skin in which you can see especially where Pluto has pressed his grip into Persephone’s hip to keep her from flailing away. The level of realism that Bernini has accomplished through these details, provides a deeper understanding of what It means to properly display form in a sculpture.

Look at the sculpture from different angles, the arch to Pluto’s foot, Persephone’s angle of torso, the placement of arms and legs of both individuals, this sculpture is the depiction of movement. A single moment caught in stone. Bernini truly captures an incredibly unstable stance, for both individuals. The push and pull of both individuals, the emotion clearly captivated within the faces, as well as the addition of Cerberus, Hade’s guard dog in the bottom corner below Persephone. All in motion.

The emotion behind this sculpture is one of devastation and desperation. Though it may be a tough topic to consider, this art depicts the act of possession, specifically a possession without consent. Rape. Pluto being one of the higher arching members of Greek mythology, clearly holds the upper hand in both strength and power regarding Persephone. Even Hades would have a terrible time attempting to match Pluto. Not only in power, prestige, and overall physical strength, Persephone’s expression shows one of struggle and impending hurt. Bernini captures the glee of triumph upon Pluto’s face, and the overall devastation of Persephone’s. The smirk upon Pluto’s face has a knowing look of triumph as he too may realize that he lacks any competition in this want.

The subject behind this sculpture is truly haunting, however, the skill and ability with which this sculpture has been made is truly a piece of wonder. I had to put aside my general lack of disgust for the act with which Bernini captured and focus on the details of which he was able to display through such a difficult type of sculpting.

 

 

Hibbard, Howard. "Gian Lorenzo Bernini". Encyclopedia Britannica, 8 Dec. 2021, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Gian-Lorenzo-Bernini. Accessed 11 October 2022.

Dr. Steven Zucker and Dr. Beth Harris, "Gian Lorenzo Bernini, Pluto and Proserpina (or The Rape of Proserpina)," in Smarthistory, November 27, 2015, accessed October 11, 2022, https://smarthistory.org/bernini-pluto-and-proserpina/.