Sculpture by Bernini - The Rape of Proserpina

Sculptor Artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini 

 What Shakespeare is to drama, Bernini may be to sculpture. Considered a worthy successor of Michael Angelo.

'The Rape of Proserpina' is made of rare  marble, and was originally placed on a since-destroyed pedestal with a poem by Maffeo Barberini.

(Unable to trace and find Maffio Barberini poem)

This was a poem written by AI 

"The Abduction of Proserpina"

'In the serene and flowery fields of spring, young Proserpina wandered with delight, her laughter echoed where the flowers bring, the promise of the season, pure and bright.

But Fate had woven threads of darker kind, for Pluto rose from shadows deep below, with iron grasp, his claim on her defined, and to his realm of night he made her go.

The Earth lamented, Ceres’ grief was vast, as barren fields replaced the verdant green, the sun withdrew, and winter's chill held fast, till Proserpina was once more seen.

Yet in the cycle, time and fate entwine, for she returns, but bound to both domains, her presence marks where life and death align, and in her story, nature's truth remains.'

- Al 

 This sculpture has been praised for its realism, as the marble mimics other materials like flesh. 

A trickle of tears contributes to the expressiveness of Proserpina's face.

Proserpine’s genuine resistance is traced in all her movements.

Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini, executed between 1621 and 1622.  Finished when Bernini was just 23 years old, depicts 'the abduction of Proserpina', who is seized and taken to the underworld by the god Pluto.