Hiram Powers (1805-1873)

Proserpine (or Persephone) was the maiden of spring in ancient mythology and was the only daughter of Ceres (Demeter), the goddess of the harvest. Prosperine was abducted by Pluto, god of the underworld, and held captive for four months of the year, thereby causing the season of winter, but was released to earth again each spring.

Proserpine was one of Powers's most popular subjects and underwent several changes by the artist. The present work is an example of the second version in which Powers replaced an elaborate wreath of wheat with a classical base of acanthus leaves.