The Rape of Proserpine, design for the staircase of Devonshire House, London Louis Laguerre (1663-1721)

The composition presents a dramatic narrative unfolding within a classical architectural framework. The scene is dominated by a forceful abduction, depicted with considerable emotional intensity. A male figure, muscular and assertive, grasps a female figure who struggles against his hold. Her posture conveys resistance, yet her body is being drawn upward and away from the earth.
The setting for this central action is complex. Below, a group of figures – some appearing to plead or lament, others seemingly resigned – are clustered around what appears to be a chariot pulled by a dark, powerful horse. The animal’s stance suggests both strength and unrestrained movement. A circular object, possibly a shield or emblem, rests near the base of the composition, adding another layer of symbolic potential.
Above this earthly drama, a group of winged figures – presumably cherubs or putti – observe the scene from a cloud-filled sky. Their expressions are difficult to discern precisely, but their presence suggests divine witness or intervention. A male figure, armed with a staff or spear, stands prominently amongst them, seemingly overseeing the unfolding events.
The color palette is characterized by muted earth tones contrasted with areas of brighter, warmer hues used for the figures’ flesh and drapery. The use of chiaroscuro – the interplay of light and shadow – heightens the drama and emphasizes the emotional weight of the moment. Light seems to emanate from above, illuminating the central figures while leaving portions of the scene in relative darkness.
The architectural elements framing the composition are significant. A balustrade runs horizontally across the middle ground, creating a visual barrier between the earthly realm and the celestial sphere. The columns flanking the scene suggest stability and order, yet they also serve to contain the chaotic energy of the abduction.
Subtexts within this work likely relate to themes of power, resistance, fate, and divine intervention. The forceful nature of the abduction could be interpreted as a commentary on the subjugation of women or the imposition of authority. The presence of the celestial figures suggests that these events are not merely human affairs but are governed by larger forces beyond mortal control. The architectural setting implies an attempt to impose order and structure upon inherently chaotic narratives, perhaps reflecting the patron’s desire for both grandeur and moral instruction within their domestic space.