TheRape of Persephone, orAbduction of Persephone, is a classical mythological subject in Western art, depicting theabduction ofPersephone byHades. In this context, the wordRape refers to the traditional translation of the Latinraptus ('seized' or 'carried off') which refers tobride kidnapping rather than the potential ensuing sexual violence.[1]
Persephone is the daughter ofZeus andDemeter. Hades wished to make her his wife, so he got permission from her father Zeus and help fromGaia to abduct her into theUnderworld. When Persephone was picking flowers in a field, Hades emerged on his chariot from a crack on the earth, and carried off the unwilling Persephone; onlyHecate andHelios witnessed the abduction, and later told Demeter.[2]
This painting on a large wooden panel is entitledThe Abduction of Proserpine. It was painted in 1570, and spent most of its life residing in the Villa Salviati after being commissioned by the Salviati family.[3]
Painted in around 1631,The Abduction of Proserpina has largely been attributed toRembrandt. Although the painting remains unsigned, the style and composition is highly indicative of being a legitimate Rembrandt. It is currently displayed as a part ofGemäldegalerie, Berlin, permanent exhibit.[4]
Created in 1636 and 1637,Peter Paul Rubens depicted the abduction of Persephone in a piece entitledThe Rape of Proserpine. The piece was intended to decorate the lostTorre de la Parada, and as such was owned by the Spanish Royal family.[5]
This was copied later in the 17th century byJuan Bautista Martínez del Mazo in oil on canvas under the name ofEl Rapto de Proserpina, and later again reproduced by the Real Establecimiento Litográfico de Madrid in the 19th century for the purpose of printing and distribution.[citation needed]
As part of a set of oil studies intended to be used for painting the ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence, theMythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine was created with the intention of being presented to Marquess Francesco Riccardi for approval before being painted in the palace. Currently, ten of the twelve oil studies created between 1682 and 1685 reside in theNational Gallery.[6]
The Rape of Persephone, a painting in the Macedonian Tomb I in Vergina (Aegae),[7] dating from the mid 4th century BC. This in situ mural is mostly indistinguishable, other than the figures of Hades and Persephone themselves on a chariot.[8]
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Examples include:
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Media related toRape of Persephone at Wikimedia Commons