“Autumn” by Italian artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1527 – 1593) is a fanciful representation of a human face constructed from seasonal fruit and vegetables, currently on display in France’s Louvre. Arcimboldo created fantastical, allegorical works, composing faces entirely from produce, books and animals. Arcimboldo originally worked with his father, designing stained-glass windows and frescoes at the Milan Cathedral. In 1562, Arcimboldo became the court painter for Emperor Ferdinand I, and his successors, Maximilian II and Rudolph II, painting his famous facial collages. Arcimboldo fell into obscurity after his death, until his works were rediscovered and lauded by the Surrealists.

© Art.com