Albrecht Dürer - Rape of Persephone

In the British Museum, there is a large room where all the prints that are not currently on display are stored. What most people don't realise is that this room is available to the public at restricted times. You can't book and it is first in, first served. Amongst the thousands (if not more) prints there is a wonderful engraving by Albrecht Dürer (1471-1528), entitled The Rape of Persephone.

Dürer was an amazing artist, utilising wood, engravings, sculpture and paint. Many believe him to be a key influence on the early Renaissance period.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durer

There are several copies of The Rape of Persephone and the one held at the British Museum is in excellent condition. It depicts Pluto riding on the back of a unicorn carrying a naked Persephone off to the underworld. What is particlulary fascinating about this piece is that many artists of the time chose to depict the unicorn as a gentle creature, often in the company of a maiden. In this case, the unicorn is shown as wild and fierce, and while there is a maiden in the picture, it is a man in charge of the unicorn.

If you are in London and have the time, it is well worth a visit - it is not everyday that you have the opportunity to hold a 16th century artwork in your hands.

For more information about the Print Room and access details, contact the British Museum.

http://www.british-museum.ac.uk/