Anthropomorphic allegory of Winter

Oil on canvas

96 x 75 cm.

In an important antique frame (with defects) 118 x 101 cm.

The intriguing painting we are delighted to present to you, depicting a personification of Winter, is derived from the famous surrealist iconographic prototypes conceived around 1560–70 by the eclectic Milanese painter Giuseppe Arcimboldi (Milan 1526–1593) and draws on a series of still lifes depicting the Seasons.

After leaving Milan for the court in Vienna, Giuseppe Arcimboldi became the official painter to Emperor Maximilian II of Habsburg, for whom he produced a series of paintings that were nothing short of brilliant, created using an innovative technique that would be imitated and reinterpreted for decades.

In particular, he established a distinct artistic movement that plays on optical illusion and anthropomorphic composition, creating veritable portraits in which he skilfully combines plant elements, fruit and vegetables typical of each season.

Upon close observation of these works, one cannot help but be captivated by Arcimboldo’s extraordinary inventiveness: in this instance, the winter figure is recreated entirely by combining elements typical of the cold season, such as oranges, citrons, garlic, cardoons, cabbage, onions, endives, leeks and turnips.

According to iconological interpretation, these works were to be understood as ‘imperial allegories’ of a celebratory nature, whose symbolic purpose was to represent the Habsburg dynasty’s dominion not only over rival families but over all of creation, including the many resources of Mother Nature.

At the same time, this rich and erudite symbolism of the anthropomorphic heads, whilst glorifying Habsburg power, also catered to the court’s Mannerist taste for the rare, the curious and anything that might arouse wonder among the art collectors of the time.

The anthropomorphic depictions of the Seasons conceived by Arcimboldi enjoyed immediate success, as evidenced by the existence of subsequent autograph versions, replicas executed by collaborators and numerous early copies—more or less faithful to the originals—which were produced and circulated throughout Europe as early as the end of the sixteenth century.

One artist who was strongly influenced by Giuseppe Arcimboldo was Francesco Zucchi (Florence, 1562 – Rome, 1622), an Italian painter known for having popularised and perpetuated in Rome the style of ‘composite heads’ devised by Giuseppe Arcimboldo, who himself worked mainly in Vienna and Prague, and as far as Milan. A great many paintings historically catalogued as generic works by ‘followers of Arcimboldo’ have now been reattributed to Francesco Zucchi (Fig. 4).

We can find our prototype in the personification of winter in some works published in the Zeri Photo Library:

Fig. 1 – G. Arcimboldi (follower), Female portrait and composite figure with fruit and vegetables, Dorotheum Auction, Vienna, 10 June 1997, no. 124/b

Fig. 2 – G. Arcimboldi (in the style of), Composed figure with fruit and vegetables, Private collection

Fig. 3 – G. Arcimboldi, Allegory of Winter, c. 1580–1600, Yale University Art Gallery, New Haven

Fig. 4 – G. Arcimboldi, Composition with Fruit and Vegetables (alternative attribution: Francesco Zucchi), Antiques Market, Florence

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

The condition is good, with some restoration work and repainting visible on the surface.

The painting is complete with an attractive gilded frame and is accompanied by a certificate of authenticity and a descriptive iconographic sheet.

We arrange and organise the transport of purchased works, both within Italy and abroad, using professional, insured carriers.

Should you wish to view this or other works in person, we would be delighted to welcome you to our new gallery in Riva del Garda, at Viale Giuseppe Canella 18. We look forward to seeing you!

Please contact us for any further information or to arrange a visit; we’ll be happy to assist you.

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