What topics does Proserpine explore?

roman mythology, classical sculpture, female figure, proserpine, hiram powers, marble bust, antiquity, portraiture

Is Proserpine under copyright?

No, this artwork is in the public domain.

ProserpineHiram PowersNone

Neoclassicism
Huntington 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
Creative period: Mature Period
Color palette: Earthy
Main color: Black
Keywords: roman mythology art, proserpine bust marble, hiram powers sculpture
Perceived brightness: deep_shadow

Questions & Answers

How does "Proserpine" fit into Hiram Powers's themes and style?

"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".

Does "Proserpine" show strong light-dark contrasts?

"Proserpine" by Hiram Powers shows a statement contrast between its light and dark areas.

Is "Proserpine" by Hiram Powers in the public domain, and why?

"Proserpine" by Hiram Powers is in the public domain - its copyright has expired. Copyright terms are measured from the artist's death, and Hiram Powers died in 1873.