The artwork, titled “Winter,” is a masterful oil on canvas painted by Giuseppe Arcimboldo in 1573. Displayed at the Louvre in Paris, France, this allegorical painting, measuring 76 x 64 cm, is a striking example of the Mannerism (Late Renaissance) art movement.
The artwork portrays a unique and imaginative representation of winter. It features a human face composed entirely of various natural elements associated with the season. The skin is depicted using intertwined tree bark, giving the visage a rough and aged appearance, fitting for the winter theme. The nose resembles a broken branch, and the lips are constructed using a fungi-like form. Additional foliage, branches, and vines meticulously form other facial features, merging seamlessly to provide a harmonious yet stark visualization of winter’s desolate beauty. The entire composition is framed with an ornate border, enhancing the singular and creative nature of this allegorical portrayal.