Allegory of Spring by Giuseppe Arcimboldo - c. 1555/60 - 68 x 57 cm Alte Pinakothek Allegory of Spring by Giuseppe Arcimboldo - c. 1555/60 - 68 x 57 cm Alte Pinakothek

Allegory of Spring

oil on panel • 68 x 57 cm
  • Giuseppe Arcimboldo - 1526/7 - July 11, 1593 Giuseppe Arcimboldo c. 1555/60

Today is the last Sunday of spring and the first Sunday with our special partnership with the Alte Pinakothek Museum from Munich! We are very happy to share their marvelous collection with you. Today we start with something very special and ... a bit weird.

Giuseppe Arcimboldo's bizarre composite heads continue the antique tradition of fantastic hybrid creatures. These paintings of the Seasons, recorded in Munich as early as 1598, were probably created in Milan before he entered the service of the Habsburgs as a court painter in Vienna and Prague. For a long time, they were considered to be only a variant of the Vienna series painted in 1563.

The Allegory of Spring is depicted as a young man, formed from short-lived flowers ranging from irises to bindweed, roses, daisies, and strawberries, and fresh foliage. These elements that make up the head epitomize a comparatively short time; the year is young.  Here we are dealing with spring and, at best, early summer.  Arcimboldo is known for his bizarre pictorial ideas; his composite heads had a lasting influence on the art of European Mannerism.

This painting definitely needs a closer look; just tap it to zoom in and look at all the details!

P.S. Are you a fan of floral beauty? This captivating painting is a highlight in our Flowers in Art 50 Postcards Set, available now in our DailyArt Store! 🌺

P.P.S. Take a look at other bizarre portraits by Arcimboldo. They are insanely creative!