The action in the sculpture Rape of Proserpine made it look like it was alive and that the figures were ready to jump out. According to the myth, she was taken by Pluto, the god of the underworld. He tricked her into eating pomegranate seeds, knowing that once one eats the fruit of the underworld, they cannot completely return to earth. As a result Proserpine must spend half the year in the underworld, although she is able to spend half the year on earth. Proserpines absence brings fall and winter and her return brings spring and summer. Winter is being warmed by the garland of flowers adorning her head and spring arrives. However, her facial expression hints at the sadness she feels due to the knowledge that this visit is only temporary.