Rape of Persephone with Pluto on horseback at right
Giuseppe Scolari Italian
Not on view
Smitten by love for Proserpina, Pluto (also known as Hades), lord of the Underworld, carried her off violently in his infernal chariot, plunging through the Bay of Cyane into his subterranean realm. Scolari, who was also a painter, is best known today for his technically inventive and highly expressive woodcuts, which he both designed and cut. In his only depiction of a mythological subject, the artist captures the moment when the earth splits open, the waters of the bay pour into the void, and the fires of Hades issue forth, while the maiden struggles to free herself from her captor.
Due to rights restrictions, this image cannot be enlarged, viewed at full screen, or downloaded.
This artwork is meant to be viewed from right to left. Scroll left to view more.