Hades abducts Persephone, daughter of Demeter, causing Demeter to stop growing crops and causing drought. The painting contrasts light and dark to distinguish the world from the underworld with a sharp divide down the middle for dramatic effect. Bushes at the bottom appear to be pulling on Hades' chariot.

1. Abduction of Persephone by Rembrandt Hades, God of the underworld, abducts Persephone, daughter of Demeter, the Goddess of agriculture Demeter stops growing crops and world suffers from drought Contrast between light and dark distinguishes the world and the underworld; sharp divide along the middle of the picture has a dramatic effect Story is exaggerated because many people are trying to prevent Hades from taking Persephone Bushes at the bottom look like the are pulling on the chariot