Winter (1563) by Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Winter - Giuseppe Arcimboldo - 1563

Artwork Information

TitleWinter
ArtistGiuseppe Arcimboldo
Date1563
Mediumoil,panel
Dimensions67 x 51 cm
Art MovementMannerism (Late Renaissance)
Current LocationLouvre, Paris, France

About Winter

The artwork titled “Winter” by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, created in 1563, is an oil painting on panel. This piece is associated with the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement and forms part of Arcimboldo’s “The Seasons” series. The painting, measuring 67 x 51 cm, is allegorical in genre and is currently housed in the Louvre, Paris, France.

The painting vividly depicts a human-like figure composed entirely of elements symbolizing winter. The face and body are constructed from gnarled tree bark and twisted branches, with a collar-like wrapping resembling straw or coarse cloth. The face, formed from rough tree elements, is given an expressive and somewhat grotesque appearance, characteristic of Arcimboldo’s unique style. The head is decorated with a crown-like arrangement of bare branches and twigs, while leafy elements sprout among them, adding texture and depth to the piece. To the side of the figure, citrus fruits hang from a branch, symbolically representing the sustenance and resilience during the winter season. The dark background contrasts with the complex and nuanced portrayal of the human form, further emphasizing the allegorical representation of the season.

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