Bonhams' Fine European Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art sale
Exceptional marble sculptures representing figures from lost societies across the ages will be among the highlights of Bonhams Fine European Furniture, Sculpture & Works of Art sale on 13th December at New Bond Street, London. A magnificent marble bust of the goddess of Spring Proserpine, by the renowned American sculptor Hiram Powers, is estimated at £30,000 – 50,000. Exquisitely sculpted in white marble, the figure shows the superior skill of Hiram Powers, one of the greatest American sculptors of the 19th Century. He held strong views about the aim of art being spiritual, which led him to create 'ideal' sculpture representing an archetypal beauty. Proserpine was an important figure in Roman mythology and her story played an integral role in shaping views on fertility and the seasonal changes. According to myth she was abducted by Pluto, the god of the underworld, and held for four months, her release ending Winter and inducing the start of Spring. Powers' bust of Proserpine was his most popular sculpture leading him to produce several versions over the years, some life-sized.
![Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577–1640), After Titian (Tiziano Vecelli) (Italian [Venetian], c. 1488–1576), Rape of Europa, 1628–29. Oil on canvas, 71 7/8 x 79 3/8 in.](/images/c/e2/2e/Jan20_Rape_of_Europa100x100_c.jpg "Peter Paul Rubens (Flemish, 1577–1640), After Titian (Tiziano Vecelli) (Italian [Venetian], c. 1488–1576), Rape of Europa, 1628–29. Oil on canvas, 71 7/8 x 79 3/8 in.")
