Versailles, Girardon, Enlevement de Proserpine par Pluton 1904

Eugène Atget's "Versailles, Girardon, Enlevement de Proserpine par Pluton" (1904) is a captivating photographic documentation of a sculpted relief depicting the abduction of Persephone by Pluto. The relief, attributed to the renowned sculptor François Girardon, showcases a dynamic scene where Pluto, the god of the underworld, forcefully pulls Persephone into his chariot, while cherubs above watch the unfolding drama. Atget, known for his meticulous documentation of Parisian life, captured the intricate detail and sculptural artistry of this historical piece with remarkable clarity, preserving a vital slice of French artistic heritage.