A sculpted limestone group, the rape of proserpina, 20th century

An Italian sculpted limestone group, the Rape of Proserpina,20th century, after Gian Lorenzo Bernini (1598 ~ 1680), the demi- god held aloft in the arms of Pluto, with Cerberus crouched at his feet, 201cm high, 75cm wide, 65cm deep, on a rectangular section panel sided plinth, 103cm high, 102cm wide, 91cm deep overall height 304cm

As with many of Bernini’s early works, the original was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese, and executed between 1621 and 1622. Bernini was only 23 years old at its completion. Soon after its completion the statue was given by Scipione to Cardinal Ludovisi, who transported it to th Villa Ludovisi. After later having been purchased by the Italian State, the work was returned to the Villa Borghese in 1908

FIG-103