Proserpina met bloemen

About this artwork

height 212 mm x width 108 mm

Art Historical Context

Created in 1530 by Jacob Binck, "Proserpina met bloemen" is a delicate engraving that captures the Roman goddess of spring holding a bouquet of flowers. Measuring just 212 mm by 108 mm, the work presents this mythological figure in an intimate scale typical of early printmaking. The subject evokes themes of renewal and the changing seasons, drawing from classical stories that remained popular in Northern Europe during the Renaissance. Engravings like this one were significant for their ability to reproduce fine details through precise line work on metal plates, making art more accessible beyond painted originals. Binck’s piece reflects the era’s growing interest in classical mythology, translated into portable formats that collectors and scholars could study or display. The compact dimensions invite close viewing, highlighting the artist’s skill in conveying texture and movement within a limited space. Today, the engraving offers a window into 16th-century artistic practices, where mythological narratives were reimagined for new audiences through the innovative medium of print.