STEAM -ART - Mythology and the seasons

Gian Lorenzo Bernini was a skilled Italian sculptor in the 17th century known for his realistic and emotive works. His Statue of David is iconic for its dramatic depiction. Bernini's impact on sculpture inspired future generations. The myth of Pluto and Proserpine tells of Pluto's desire to make the goddess his queen, leading to a compromise where she spends four months with him in the underworld. Venini's sculpture, "Rape of Proserpina," captures this moment with intricate details and emotional intensity. When Mythology Shaped the Seasons Gian Lorenzo Bernini was an Italian sculptor who lived in the 17th century and is widely regarded as one of the most skilful in his craft. His works are characterised by their realistic and emotive qualities which give them a sense of dynamism, movement that are unmatched by many others of his time. He was also deeply involved in the Baroque art movement which emphasised the theatrically and grandeur of works, making them more immersive for viewers. Bernini's Statue of David remains one of the most iconic creations due to its dramatic depiction of a fearless hero facing off against a formidable enemy in mid-action. Bernini's work has had a profound impact on sculpture as an art form, inspiring generations to come after him with his modern techniques and unique artistic vision. Once upon a time in the land of the dead there was a king named Pluto. He ruled over the souls of the deceased and enjoyed his solitary existence in his dark domain. However one day while strolling through his gardens he laid eyes on Persephone, the goddess of springtime and daughter of Demeter. From that moment on Pluto was consumed by an intense desire to make her his own, so he devised a plan to abduct her and to take her down into the underworld to be his queen. Despite her mother's protest and pleas for Zeus's intervention, Persephone remained trapped beneath the earth as Pluto's bride. Her grief-stricken mother refused to let life bloom until she could see her daughter again. Finally, relenting to Persephone's longing for some warmth and light from the above ground, Zeus declared, let Proserpine divide her time between me above and my brother below. And so it was that for four months each year when she is separated from Pluto, Proserpine graces earth with renewal before returning once again to rule alongside him as queen of the Hades during the winter's interminable chill. Venini's Pluto and Proserpine marble sculpture, also known as the Rape of Proserpina, portrays the mythological abduction of the daughter of Ceres by the god of the underworld. This masterpiece captures a dramatic moment where Pluto's fingers stick into Proserpine's skin as she struggles to free herself. Bonini expertly crafted the tangled flowing hair, crest forehead, bulging veins on necks and limbs with captivating realism that makes it emotional and iconic for art lovers. The intricate details allow a viewer to understand every aspect of this piece, from specific textures to how light is perceived in the sculpture's form. With great skill and attention to detail, Bonini creates an ethereal quality by grounding them firmly within reality using sophisticated techniques that create a sense of movement and interaction between the characters, conveying their raw emotions with incredibly lifelike intensity.