In A.S. Byatt's novel "Possession," Randolph Henry Ash’s portrayal of Proserpine symbolizes the Victorian era's themes of existential uncertainty and the contemplation of rebirth myths. This character embodies a deep sense of longing and introspection against a backdrop of spiritual questioning that was prevalent at the time.

The painting by Lord Leighton captures this essence perfectly, depicting Proserpine as a captivating, golden figure trapped in a dark tunnel, expressing both despair and beauty. This imagery reinforces the novel's exploration of how art and literature reflect and interrogate complex feelings of life, death, and the possibility of resurrection.