| GIUSEPPE ARCIMBOLDO (CA. 1527-1593) | |||
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Vertumnus (1591) AR01 h. 11 cm |
Here Emperor Rudolph II is portrayed as
Vertumnus, the Roman god of autumn, who’s main task it is to guard the
orchards and to grant an abundance of fruit. Thus it is a tribute to the
wise rulings of the Emperor who enables his subjects to harvest the rich
fruit of the fields in peace. Arcimboldo painted this portrait towards
the end of his life, in Milan. He had been allowed to return there, but
only on the condition that he continued to work for the Emperor.
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Water is the most complex in a series of portraits based on the four elements. The marine animals have been painted very realistically, without reference to their actual size. The Emperor, who had a keen interest in zoology, had scientists attached to his court and they assisted Arcimboldo with this painting. The portrait is a classic tribute to the ruler Maxmiliaan II who sees to it that his subjects are able to live in harmony with the elements. |
Water (1566) AR02 h. 12 cm
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