The Abudction of Proserpina 1615 - 1630

This etching, depicting The Abduction of Proserpina, was made by Pieter Soutman in the 17th century, after a painting by Peter Paul Rubens. In it, we see Pluto carrying Proserpina off to the underworld in his chariot, while her companions look on in horror. Soutman was a leading printmaker in the circle of Rubens in Antwerp. His prints played a crucial role in disseminating Rubens’s paintings to a wider audience, thereby cementing the artist’s reputation throughout Europe. The prevalence of mythological subjects in 17th century Flemish art reflects the interests of its wealthy, educated patrons. The visual codes in this image, like the use of classical figures, allude to a knowledge of classical literature expected of elites at this time. As art historians, we can examine the painting that Soutman copied, study the print market of Antwerp, and analyze the social and political context in which Rubens and Soutman operated. Only then can we begin to understand the cultural work that this image performed in its time.