'Ceres in terror sought her child vainly in every land, o'er every sea. Then at last she seemed to understand her child was stolen. Proserpina’s looks were sad; and yet a queen, and yet of that dark land Empress, and yet with power and majesty the consort of the Tyrannus Infernus (Sovereign lord of Hell).’
In this version, with the background fully painted, the ivy-branch may be taken "as a symbol of clinging memory" and the "Tartarean Grey tone of the picture must be the sentiment of the subject" (Art Journal, 1892). The incense smoke and Proserpina’s dress seem to blend, allowing her to display all her sad and sensuous majesty.
Proserpine - Sixth version 1877 – oil
Dimensions: 46 x 22 in.
Current Location: L. S. Lowry, R. A.
Featured in Exhibit
Date
19th century
Artist
Copyright
©
Vetted?
No