The Vegetable Gardener (c.1590) by Giuseppe Arcimboldo

The Vegetable Gardener - Giuseppe Arcimboldo - c.1590

Artwork Information

TitleThe Vegetable Gardener
ArtistGiuseppe Arcimboldo
Datec.1590
Mediumoil,wood
Dimensions35 x 24 cm
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)
Current LocationMuseo Civico Ala Ponzone, Cremona, Italy

About The Vegetable Gardener

“The Vegetable Gardener,” created around 1590 by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, is an oil-on-wood painting belonging to the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement. The artwork, which measures 35 x 24 cm, is a part of the “Visual Pun” series and is currently housed in the Museo Civico Ala Ponzone in Cremona, Italy. This particular piece is categorized under the genre of still life.

The artwork demonstrates Arcimboldo’s distinct style through a clever and whimsical composition that creates a visual pun. When viewed closely and attentively, what initially appears to be a straightforward depiction of a bowl of vegetables reveals itself to be an imaginative portrait. The vegetables, including onions, carrots, and other produce, are meticulously arranged to form the semblance of a human face. The artist adeptly manipulates shapes, colors, and textures to craft a cohesive yet deceptively simple representation, merging the realms of still life and portraiture. The dark, subdued background enhances the vibrant colors of the vegetables, drawing the viewer’s focus to the intricate detailing of the subject. Arcimboldo’s playful yet masterful technique embodies the eccentricities and intellectual explorations characteristic of the Mannerism period, creating a piece that is both thought-provoking and visually engaging.

Other Artwork from Giuseppe Arcimboldo

More Mannerism (Late Renaissance) Artwork

Scroll to Top