Wednesday, January 23, 2013

Alessandro Allori - The Abduction of Proserpine [1570]


Pluto, god of the Underworld, seizes Proserpine, daughter of the corn-goddess Ceres, ready to carry her down to his kingdom on a chariot drawn by black horses. Because Pluto allowed Proserpine to return to earth each spring for four months, the story recounted in Ovid's Metamorphoses symbolised seasonal death and rebirth. 

Yet, even this dire subject takes place in an enchanted setting. Characteristically, Alessandro Allori (Florence, 1535 - Florence, 1607) added playful touches: slender, graceful nymphs, possibly Proserpine's former companions, pick flowers and frolic while being observed by satyrs. The abrupt truncation of Pluto's chariot and horses at the bottom of the panel and the bright, saturated colours display frequent characteristics of Florentine Mannerism. Allori's complicated, twisted poses and his cool, smooth style reflect the influence of his adopted father and master Bronzino. 

Allori painted this panel, along with many others, as decoration for the Villa Salviati, a private home near Florence.

[Getty Centre, Los Angeles - Oil on panel, 90 x 137 inches]
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