The artwork titled “Air” by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, created in 1566, is an allegorical oil painting on canvas. It belongs to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and forms part of the series “The Elements.” The dimensions of the artwork are 74.5 x 56 cm, and it is currently held in a private collection.
The artwork is a distinct representation of Arcimboldo’s imaginative style, where various birds are meticulously arranged to form the profile of a human face. The composition is a remarkable example of allegorical painting, demonstrating the artist’s fascination with assembling natural elements to depict human features. The feathers of a peacock dominate the lower portion, seamlessly transitioning into a variety of birds that construct the forehead, eyes, nose, and mouth. Each bird is rendered in fine detail, contributing to the illusion of a cohesive facial structure. The use of light and shadow further enhances the three-dimensionality and realism of the collective image, while also emphasizing the intricate integration of different avian species.