Arcimboldo,Giuseppe – Winter, allegory, 1563 painted for Emperor Ferdinand I. Limewood, 66,6 x 50,5 cm Inv. 1590 Kunsthistorisches Museum

The artwork presents a complex and intriguing portrait constructed entirely from natural elements. Here we observe a human face formed from a meticulously arranged assortment of fruits, vegetables, foliage, and branches. The composition is dense, with each element carefully positioned to suggest the contours of a visage. A prominent beard appears to be fashioned from white turnips or parsnips, while the nose is rendered in what seems to be a pear or quince. The eyes are suggested by dark plums, and the mouth takes shape from a cluster of mussels.
The artist has employed a sophisticated understanding of texture and form to create an illusionistic effect. The smooth surfaces of the fruits contrast with the rough bark of the branches, adding visual interest and depth. A golden-yellow garment drapes over the shoulders, its folds meticulously rendered using what appear to be lemons and other citrus fruits.
The dark background serves to accentuate the vibrancy of the natural elements that constitute the portrait. The overall effect is one of both realism and surrealism; a recognizable human face emerges from an unexpected and unconventional arrangement of organic matter.
Beyond the purely visual, the work carries symbolic weight. Given the seasonal association implied by the subject matter – the presence of winter vegetables and bare branches – it likely functions as an allegory for the season itself. The abundance of produce might also suggest themes of fertility and sustenance, albeit presented within a context of dormancy and cold. The meticulous construction of the face from disparate elements could be interpreted as a commentary on the fragility of human existence or the interconnectedness of natures components. The portrait’s creation in limewood suggests an intentional choice of material that further emphasizes the naturalistic theme.