Arcimboldo, Giuseppe

Giuseppe Arcimboldo, or Arcimboldi as he is named in several archival documents (Milan, 5 April 1526 - Milan, 11 July 1593). He is best known for his grotesque 'Composite Heads', burlesque portraits created by combining objects or elements of the same kind, in a sort of trompe-l'oeil, such as fruit and vegetables, fish, birds, books, and other items. These elements are metaphorically linked to the subject portrayed, with the effect of demystifying the portrait itself.