Pluto and Proserpina

myminifactory

Having been struck by Cupid's arrow, Pluto, the God of the Underworld, caught sight of Proserpina picking flowers in a beautiful meadow. Immediately inflamed with passion, he swept her away to his kingdom. The Rape of Proserpina was brought to England in 1896 by the future first Viscount Astor, who proudly displayed it at Cliveden House, Buckinghamshire. The second Viscount Astor gave Cliveden and its stunning sculpture to the National Trust in 1942. After being carefully removed for conservation in 1989, it was decided to place the group on long-term loan in the Museum. Domenico de' Rossi spent several years working in Rome before returning to Florence in 1560, where he was employed by the powerful Medici Grand Dukes. The group was cast in one magnificent piece, as described in contemporary treatises, yet still a remarkable technical achievement at that time for such a large sculpture. This remarkable object is part of "Scan The World", a groundbreaking non-profit initiative introduced by MyMiniFactory, through which we are creating a vast digital archive of fully 3D printable sculptures, artworks and landmarks from across the globe for everyone to access for free. Scan The World is an open source community effort; if you have interesting items around you and would like to contribute, email stw@myminifactory.com to find out how you can help. Courtesy of the world-renowned Victoria and Albert Museum, London.