ProserpineHiram PowersNone

  • Art movementNeoclassicism
  • MuseumHuntington Museum of Art

Hiram Powers (1805 – 1873)

Explore Hiram Powers' neoclassical sculptures: 'The Greek Slave,' 'Fisher Boy,' & more. American sculptor known for idealized figures, Roman & Greek themes, & international acclaim.

Huntington Museum of Art (Huntington, United States of America)

Discover the Huntington Museum of Art in West Virginia! Explore diverse collections—American & European masterpieces, glass art, Haitian works, firearms & more—plus scenic nature trails and a tropical conservatory.

Powers gave this bust the title Proserpine, after the beautiful but tragic figure in Roman mythology (she was known as Persephone in Greek literature). Proserpine, the daughter of Jupiter and Ceres, was kidnapped by Pluto, who took her to Hades to be his wife. Jupiter eventually won her release, but because she had eaten some fruit while in the underworld, she was forced to return there each year. Her annual sojourn in Pluto

About this artwork

  • Title: Proserpine
  • Artist: Hiram Powers
  • Format: Portrait
  • Copyright status: Public domain
  • Where to see it: Huntington Museum of Art
  • Movement: Neoclassicism
  • Corpus context: greek & roman ideals, exploring human form
  • Color palette: Earthy
  • Keywords: hiram powers artist, portrait bust artwork, hiram powers sculpture
  • Color intensity: Monochromatic

Questions & Answers

What does "Proserpine" share with the rest of Hiram Powers's output?

"Proserpine" shares with Hiram Powers's other works its Neoclassicism style and the recorded themes: greek & roman ideals, mythological narrative, classical beauty standards, pluto's abduction story, american neoclassical style, power of patronage", exploring human form, significant powers work".

Why is the copyright status of "Proserpine" what it is?

"Proserpine" by Hiram Powers is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright duration runs from the artist's death, which occurred in 1873.

What level of contrast does "Proserpine" by Hiram Powers show?

The light-dark contrast of "Proserpine" is recorded as statement. Contrast describes how strongly light and dark areas differ.

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