Bernini’s work is what astounded me most in the Borghese Galleries today. Last time I was there, I spent most of my time sketching Apollo and Daphne in a close by room. This time however, I chose a different work of his to focus on. Placed centrally in an elaborate room of the ground floor, is Hades and Prosperina, twisting up towards a painted ceiling. He lifts her from the ground with the ease that comes with a well muscled body, hands digging into her skin. The pads of his fingers create indents in her body, the effect rather fleshy and realistically rendered. Prosperina’s legs kick up in protest helplessly as she pushes Hades’ head back with a palm, twisting away from his body and reaching out for help. Her hair flies as she looks behind her, Cerberus’ open mouths lapping at her feet. Marble tears protrude from her cheek, and her distressed expression is clear. However Hades’ face seems almost pleased. His expression is an odd one of happiness, eyes upon her with a lecherous open-mouthed grin. He pulls her roughly towards him with greedy hands, body in a twisted lunge during an excited struggle. Behind them sits three-headed Cerberus, its mouths howling in victory for his master, Hades. In contrast to the underworld god’s and Prosperina’s smooth skin, the fur of the dog is carved with a fine texture, hair curling up the necks of the dogs. The attention to detail and realism is truly astounding.
Photographs from google - sadly, my camera was not allowed in the museum. : (
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