Pluto and Proserpine, from "The Loves of the Gods" 1526 - 1536

Giulio Bonasone created this engraving of Pluto and Proserpine as part of his series "The Loves of the Gods" during the Italian Renaissance. Bonasone was working in a world deeply influenced by classical mythology, where tales of gods and goddesses served as both entertainment and moral lessons. Here, Bonasone turns to the story of Pluto, god of the underworld, and his abduction of Proserpine. We see them entwined in a passionate embrace, but the narrative is fraught with the power dynamics of the time. Proserpine's capture is a stark reminder of the vulnerability of women in a patriarchal society. Notice the cherubic figure attempting to control the three-headed dog Cerberus, perhaps symbolizing the attempt to domesticate or justify this act of abduction. The emotional complexity of this piece invites us to reflect on the ways love, power, and consent intersect. Bonasone challenges us to consider the personal dimensions of this mythological encounter.