Giuseppe Arcimboldi (c.1527-1593) – Water (Allegory of Water) Kunsthistorisches Museum

The composition presents a striking portrait constructed entirely from organic matter – fruits, vegetables, fish, and marine life – arranged to form a human face and shoulders. The artist has meticulously assembled these disparate elements, creating a trompe-lœil effect that challenges conventional notions of representation. A dark, shadowed background emphasizes the vibrancy and detail of the assemblage.
The central figure’s face is formed from a combination of melon slices and fish, their textures and colors blending to suggest a somber expression. The eyes are particularly arresting; they appear sunken and melancholic, created with carefully placed fish that convey an impression of depth and introspection. A single pearl hangs prominently from the neck, contrasting with the surrounding abundance of aquatic flora and fauna.
The upper portion of the head is densely populated with various species of fish – some whole, others sliced – alongside seaweed, coral, and a lobster claw jutting out like a horn. This profusion suggests an overwhelming connection to the element of water, hinting at its power and complexity. The arrangement isnt merely decorative; it seems intended to evoke associations with abundance, fertility, and perhaps even the hidden depths of the ocean.
The shoulders are draped in what appears to be a golden fabric, partially obscured by more marine life – octopus tentacles and additional fish – further reinforcing the theme of submersion and integration within an aquatic environment. The overall effect is one of unsettling beauty; the familiar form of a human face is simultaneously recognizable and alien, prompting reflection on the relationship between humanity and nature, and the fragility of identity when confronted with the overwhelming forces of the natural world. Theres a sense of controlled chaos in the arrangement, suggesting both the bounty and potential dangers inherent within the element being represented.