Bernini's marble in the Borghese Gallery, Rome, of which this is a much reduced copy, was carved in 1621-22 for one of his principal patrons, Cardinal Scipione Borghese, who presented it almost immediately to the art-loving papal nephew Cardinal Ludovico Ludovisi. This bronze replica was probably cast in France around 1680-1700. The group shows Proserpina, daughter of Ceres being carried off by Pluto, King of the Underworld. Her absence plunged the earth into deep winter until Pluto was persuaded to allow Proserpina to return for six months of each year, bringing with her the sun and summer.