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The Abduction on a Unicorn

1516
Albrecht Dürer (German, 1471–1528)
This bizarre image has no obvious link to a known story. The uncommon depiction of a unicorn as a wild beast instead of one of beauty and serenity suggests a demonic theme, and has led some to interpret the scene as the abduction of the Roman goddess Proserpine by Pluto, god of the underworld. Curiously, the man’s expression as he gazes out at the viewer appears calm despite the violent nature of his action.

Object Details

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