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Earth — The Four Elements — Animals combine into the head of an earthly figure.
Look closely. Let the image settle.
Illusions in painting / 1566 (?)

Earth — The Four Elements

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Animals combine into the head of an earthly figure.

TRY THIS

Find the largest animals, then work back to the outline of the face.

FOLLOW THE SOURCES

History, evidence & image credit

THE IMAGE IN THIS ARCHIVE

Giuseppe Arcimboldo

Original file & attribution · Public domain

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Frequently asked questions

What is Earth — The Four Elements?

Animals combine into the head of an earthly figure.

What should I look for in Earth — The Four Elements?

Find the largest animals, then work back to the outline of the face.

What explains Earth — The Four Elements?

Whole animals become the contours and features of a head. The scene alternates between an assemblage of creatures and a portrait.

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Earth — The Four Elements — Animals combine into the head of an earthly figure.

Earth — The Four Elements