Proserpine (Rossetti)

Dante Gabriel Rossetti - Proserpine - Google Art Project

Proserpine is a painting by the British Pre-Raphaelite artist Dante Gabriel Rossetti, depicting the Roman goddess Proserpina (the Latin equivalent of the Greek goddess Persephone). The work is notable for its rich symbolism, intricate detail, and emotional depth, characteristics that are emblematic of Rossetti's artistic oeuvre. This article explores the painting's background, themes, and legacy within the context of Pre-Raphaelite art.

Background

Dante Gabriel Rossetti, a founding member of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood in 1848, was known for his paintings, poetry, and contributions to the Victorian art scene. The Brotherhood sought to reject the mechanistic approach to art that they felt had been prevalent since the Renaissance, instead advocating for a return to the detail, intense colors, and complex compositions of Quattrocento Italian art. Rossetti's Proserpine embodies these principles through its depiction of mythological themes with a modern sensibility.

Description

Proserpine portrays the goddess in a moment of melancholy, capturing her dual identity as the queen of the underworld and the embodiment of spring's return. The painting is characterized by its somber palette, dominated by dark greens and blues, which contrasts with the pale, luminous skin of Proserpina. She holds a pomegranate, a symbol of her marriage to Hades and her role as the goddess of the underworld. The attention to detail in the textures of her robe and the background foliage reflects Rossetti's interest in nature and materiality.

Themes and Symbolism

The painting is rich in symbolic elements, reflecting Rossetti's fascination with myth and legend. The pomegranate Proserpina holds is a key symbol, representing both death and rebirth. This duality mirrors the Pre-Raphaelite interest in themes of love, loss, and redemption. Additionally, Proserpine's gaze, directed away from the viewer, suggests introspection and perhaps resignation to her fate, themes that resonate with Victorian anxieties about identity and the passage of time.

Legacy

Proserpine is considered one of Rossetti's masterpieces and a quintessential example of Pre-Raphaelite art. It has been the subject of extensive scholarly analysis and is frequently cited in discussions of Victorian symbolism and aesthetics. The painting's enduring appeal lies in its ability to blend classical mythology with contemporary themes, making it a poignant reflection on human emotion and the natural world.

See Also

• Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood
• Dante Gabriel Rossetti
• Persephone
• Victorian art