Minneapolis Institute of Art

Abduction on a Unicorn

Albrecht Dürer

Date

1516

Medium

Etching

Department

European Art

Institution

Minneapolis Institute of Art

Albrecht Dürer may have put a twist on the Abduction of Proserpina story. Usually Pluto (the abductor) is shown on foot or driving a chariot. But here he rides a unicorn. And this unicorn—neither a snorting, fiery steed nor a symbol of purity—seems like the horse version of a leering pervert. Pluto’s detached expression sets an odd mood, and as for the woman, she is remarkably ill formed. Germany, Europe

The authoritative record is held by Minneapolis Institute of Art. LinkedCulture surfaces this object and its connections; it does not alter institutional metadata.