This & That, Ceci et Cela

“Autumn” (1573 AD)

Giuseppe Arcimboldo (also spelled Arcimboldi; 1527-1593) was an Italian painter best known for creating portraits using alternation represention; he used objects like plants, animals, books, pots, etc. to create a likeness of the subject. Born in Milan, he eventually became court portraitist (as well as court decorator, costume designer, and general art expert) to Maximilian II at the Habsburg court Vienna, and later to his son Rudolf II at the Prague court. Much imitated by contemporaries, he also influenced later surrealist artists including Salvador Dal� (1904�1989). A collection of Arcimboldo’s and related works are currently being exhibited at the Mus�e du Luxembourg in Paris until Jan. 13.

“Librarian” (1596 AD)

“Spring” (1563 AD)

“Summer” (1573 AD)

“Vertumnus” (1590 AD)

“Winter” (1573 AD)

“Vegetables in a Bowl or The Gardener” (1590 AD, two views of same painting shown)

Below is an interesting related work also included in the exhibition. Francesco Urbini’s “Testa de Cazi”. The scroll reads : OGNI HOMO ME GUARDA COME FOSSE UNA TESTA DE CAZI (every man looks at me as if I were a head of penises). Fine example of renaissance erotica.

Bookmark this article: