preview

Rape Of Proserpina

Good Essays

The Rape of Proserpina by Gian Lorenzo Bernini
Gian Lorenzo Bernini, a prominent Baroque sculptor, has created plenty of brilliant works. The tradition of the Baroque period is captured best in “The Rape of Proserpina.” This essay is concerned with the detailed analysis of the given sculpture. More specifically, this paper explores techniques and materials used to create it as well as its subject matter and composition. It is concentrated on the research of the methods used by Bernini while creating his works and details that distinguish his pieces in particular. Furthermore, this paper will explore the particular stylistic and thematic features of Italian sculpture and Baroque period as a whole.
For the Baroque period, coming right after the …show more content…

“The Rape of Proserpina” was carved out of marble, which was a traditional choice in Baroque Italy. Every feature captured in stone illustrates genuine emotions and dramatic

expressions. The style of work closely followed the main features discussed earlier, but Bernini, of course, added his personal touch.
The detail of the work is uncanny; he captured the look of terror on Proserpina’s face, the moment she realizes that escape is impossible. Her pursed lips and furrowed eyebrows suggest anger, desperation, and fear. The force of Pluto’s grip on her hips leaves traces, and her forceful push does almost nothing in this situation. Pluto’s face shows precisely the opposite mood. His look reveals amusement at her struggles and lust for the fact that she revolts against his touch. Proserpina’s legs do not touch the floor, you can see the exact moment of movement, when the god was capturing her, …show more content…

The patron acknowledged Bernini’s talent, while he was still young. Many of his most famous works were created under the patronage of Cardinal Borghese, “The Rape of Proserpina” included. The Classical motives in art were popular among the patrons, as it was fashionable to be educated and sophisticated enough to have knowledge of classical mythology. After the order was finished, the sculpture stayed in Borghese’s possession for a little while. However, hoping to content his nemesis, Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi, Borghese gifted him with “The Rape of Proserpina.” Now it is one of the prominent showpieces displayed in the Galleria Borghese (former Borghese villa) in

Get Access