However, not all art from this period pursued these ideals.
There was another side of the Renaissance that was fascinated with depictions of the bizarre.
This niche is best exemplified in the whimsical portrait paintings byGiuseppe Arcimboldo.
Scroll down to learn more about the artist and the meaning behind some of his famous assemblage paintings.
Who is Giuseppe Arcimboldo?
The choice of items alludes to the Roman god of seasons, change, plant life, called Vertumnus.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Self-Portrait,” c. 1570s (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
While the painting appears humorous, it also possesses a deeper meaning.
Each piece reflects a season with a unique arrangement.
Instead of fruits or vegetables, Arcimboldo references the figure’s occupation by creating a well-placed stack of books.
Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Vertumnus,” 1591 (Photo: Erik Lernestål viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
In this set, he depicted each of the four elements using animals and objects.
Inside the subject bust is burning wood, flint, steel, guns, and cannons.
The armory theme relates to the war between the Hapsburgs and the Ottoman Empire.
Right: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Spring,” 1563 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)Left: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Summer” 1563 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Autumn,” 1573 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)Left: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Winter” 1563 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “The Librarian,” 1566 (Photo: Samuel Uhrdin viaWikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Fire,” 1566 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)Left: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Air” c. 1566 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
Right: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Water,” 1566 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)Left: Giuseppe Arcimboldo, “Earth” c. 1566 (Photo:Wikimedia Commons, Public domain)
