The Italian artist Gian Lorenzo Bernini was only 23 years old when he was was commissioned by Cardinal Scipione Borghese to create Ratto di Proserpina (Rape of Proserpina), 1621-1622.



According to Roman mythology, Proserpina was the daughter of Ceres, the goddess of fertility, and Jupiter, the patron sky and thunder. Pluto, the underworld god of the dead, saw her and fell madly in love with her and abducted her in to the underworld. A devastated Ceres allowed all of the land to dry up. Once Jupiter saw the barren earth, he struck a deal with Pluto: Proserpina would spend half a year with Pluto, during which a devastated Ceres takes her gifts from the world (winter) and half a year with Ceres, during which a happier Ceres allows the earth to grow again (spring).



This sculpture was later reinterpreted in 2010 by Jeff Koons in stainless steel with live flowering plants.