Roof van Proserpina c. 1788

Jean-Louis Delignon created this print, “Roof van Proserpina,” during a time when classical myths were often reinterpreted through a contemporary lens. The artwork captures the abduction of Proserpina by Pluto, a tale rich with themes of power, gender, and the underworld. In Delignon's rendering, we see a forceful, almost violent scene, challenging the traditional romantic depictions of mythological narratives. Delignon's interpretation encourages us to consider the power dynamics inherent in such stories. Proserpina is not merely being taken; she is being taken against her will, reflecting broader societal issues of female agency and patriarchal dominance. This print invites a dialogue about the stories we tell and how we choose to tell them. It also makes us question the values and power structures that shape our understanding of these narratives. The emotional weight of Proserpina’s plight—the loss, the struggle, and the shift from innocence to the underworld—resonates as a powerful reflection on the experiences of women throughout history.