Roof van Proserpina 1655 - 1700

This image by Jan van Somer depicts the abduction of Proserpina, a potent scene filled with symbols of power and transformation. Observe Pluto, god of the underworld, as he carries Proserpina away in his chariot. A cupid, a symbol of desire, guides the horses. This forceful embrace evokes the visual language of ancient sarcophagi, where similar scenes represent not just abduction but a passage to another realm. Think, too, of Bernini’s sculpture, where Proserpina’s struggle embodies a primal, almost animalistic resistance. This motif of forceful capture echoes through time, appearing in various guises, each reflecting a cultural understanding of desire and power. Note the emotional intensity, a visual echo that continues to resonate. It serves as a potent reminder of how deeply rooted such archetypes are in our collective consciousness, forever shifting, yet eternally present.