Arcimboldo: Rediscovered

Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526–1593) is best known for his »composite heads« that comprise a profusion of objects (fruits, animals, flowers etc.) to form an allegory or personification. Two of the most interesting of these paintings – Arcimboldo executed around thirty in all, of which four are now in the Kunsthistorisches Museum – are the enchanting compositions depicting Flora, whose provenance can be traced back to Emperor Rudolf II.

Both works are now privately owned, and this is the first time in their history that they are on show to the public. In January 2014, they were exhibited in Madrid; here in Vienna they are reunited for the first time in four centuries with the collection of Emperor Rudolf II: Until February 2015 they will be on show in the Kunsthistorisches Museum together with the Picture Gallery’s celebrated composite heads by Arcimboldo.