Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine

Image credit: The National Gallery, London

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This modello, or detailed oil study, is one of a group of 12 that Giordano made in preparation for the ceiling frescoes in the Palazzo Medici Riccardi in Florence in 1682–85. The overall theme of these highly elaborate frescoes is the progress of mankind by means of Wisdom and Virtue. This scene corresponds to part of the ceiling decoration of the grand Galleria. On the right, Pluto, god of the underworld, is manhandling Proserpine into his chariot. Above them fly harpies, the cruel guardians of his realm. To the left of Pluto are the three infernal judges; high above are Dedalus and his son Icarus, who was punished for flying too close to the sun. The three-headed dog Cerberus guards the entrance to Hades (the underworld) while Charon ferries the souls of the dead across the River Styx, helped by Death, who holds a scythe.

The National Gallery, London

London

Title

Mythological Scene with the Rape of Proserpine

Date

early 1680s

Medium

Oil on canvas

Measurements

H 121.6 x W 193 cm

Accession number

NG6639

Acquisition method

Presented by the Trustees of Sir Denis Mahon's Charitable Trust through the Art Fund, 2013

Work type

Painting

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The National Gallery, London

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