Artist Profile: Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Mannerism

Probably born in Milan, sometime in 1527. Besides his proper name, he was also known (and signed his work) as Joseph (or Josepho) Arcimboldi, or either Josephus or Arcimboldus.

Though born to a distinguished Milanese family, Arcimboldo spent much of his career working in Austria and Bohemia, having been summoned there by Imperial request in 1562. He is best known for his portraits which look, at first glance, human, but are composed of carefully placed flowers, fruits, animals and everyday objects. Surrealism tries to claim him as a forerunner, but his work is more likely a reflection of the growing interest in science and nature that occurred during his lifetime.

• The Librarian (c. 1566)

• Spring (1573)

• Summer (1573)

• The Vegetable Gardener (c. 1590)

• Vertemnus (1591)

July 11, 1593, Milan, Italy

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