Proserpine — Hiram Powers

Proserpine

Explore Hiram Powers’ ‘Proserpine,’ a neoclassical marble bust embodying timeless beauty & Roman mythology. Admire its smooth curves & refined details – a captivating antique sculpture.


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