Rape Of Prosperine
ManufacturerMade by
Meissen
(Dresden, Germany, founded 1710)
Model MakerMade by
Johann Joachim Kaendler
(Germany, 1706 - 1775)
Date1750 - 1799
Object NameFigure
Mediumporcelain
ClassificationsCeramics
DimensionsOverall: Height: 19.7 cm
AcquisitionCochrane Collection, presented in 1995 with assistance from the National Art Collections Fund.
LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub
Object numberABDMS024713
Keywords
The figure depicts a dramatic scene where the moulded figure of Pluto, the Roman god of the underworld, is seen with Proserpine lying across his left shoulder with her legs and arms thrust out. She carries flowers in her hands and there are flowers in her hair. A cloak flows form Pluto's left shoulder and around his lower body. He stands astride a rockwork base with leaves and a tree stump.
This is a famous scene in Greek and Roman Mythology, where the god of the underworld captures Proserpine and takes her down to be his wife. However her mother Ceres, also known as Demeter, the goddess of agriculture or of the Earth, went looking for her in vain to every corner of the earth, but was not able to find anything but a small belt that was floating upon a little lake (made with the tears of the nymphs). In her desperation Ceres angrily stopped the growth of fruits and vegetables, demanding to the gods that her daugther be returned to her.
Unfortunately as Proserpine had eaten some pomegranate seeds during her stay in the underworld, she was unable to return full time to be on earth, and thus spent part of the year below ground, giving us Autumn and Winter when things cease to grow until she returns in the spring.
More About Me
The goddess of agriculture stopped all plant growth when her daughter was abducted by Pluto, Lord of the Underworld. Proserpina was returned, but only for half of each year, hence autumn and winter.
1949
1900s
Late 18th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 18th - early 20th century
1883
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
Late 19th - early 20th century
1914 - 1918
1949
