“Portrait of Eve,” created by Giuseppe Arcimboldo in 1578, is an oil on canvas painting identified with the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. This religious painting is part of the “Eve and the Apple, with Counterpart” series.
The artwork presents a highly imaginative representation of Eve, intricately composed of numerous human forms merged together to shape her visage. Eve is depicted holding an apple, symbolizing the biblical narrative of the Fall of Man. Her figure is ornamented with details such as pearls and a rose, showcasing Arcimboldo’s signature style of incorporating symbolic elements to construct his subjects. The piece reflects the artist’s distinctive approach to portraiture, where he intricately blends biological and object elements to create a cohesive human figure, a hallmark of his contribution to the Mannerist movement.