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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

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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Vertumnus — Rudolf II appears as a face assembled from fruit, flowers, and vegetables.

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Giuseppe Arcimboldo

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

Earth — The Four Elements