Water (1566) by Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Water - Giuseppe Arcimboldo - 1566

Artwork Information

TitleWater
ArtistGiuseppe Arcimboldo
Date1566
Mediumoil,wood
Dimensions67 x 52 cm
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)
Current LocationKunsthistorisches Museum, Vienna, Austria

About Water

The artwork titled “Water” was created by the artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo in 1566. Crafted using oil on wood, this painting is part of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) movement and belongs to the allegorical painting genre. It measures 67 x 52 cm and is part of the series “The Elements”. Currently, it is located in the Kunsthistorisches Museum in Vienna, Austria.

The artwork is an intricate and imaginative composition that forms the profile of a human figure using a variety of aquatic creatures. Arcimboldo’s assemblage technique vividly brings to life an array of marine life, including fish, eels, and crustaceans, meticulously arranged. Some elements interweave to create the contours of the face, eyes, lips, and even accessories like a necklace formed from pearls. The dark background accentuates the vivid colors and textures of the creatures, making the allegorical representation of water both eerie and fascinating. This inventive approach is a hallmark of Arcimboldo’s work, merging natural elements with human forms to express a deeper connection between humanity and the natural world.

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