Summary: Narrated by Isabella Rossellini and produced by the National Gallery of Art, this film traces the career of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, an artist whose work thrilled and delighted the Habsburg courts of the later 16th century. Arcimboldo was best known for his "composite heads"—faces composed of fruits, vegetables, fish, flowers, and beasts of all kinds. The film explores the connection between his paintings and the burgeoning natural sciences, the voyages of discovery, and the atmosphere of intellectual curiosity at the courts of Europe. The film is made possible by the HRH Foundation. Produced in conjunction with the exhibition Arcimboldo, 1526–1593: Nature and Fantasy.
With natures abundance so profoundly delightful this time of year I recall Arcimboldo and his vision of art as he delighted in nature. A few years ago I attended this exhibition and enjoyed this short film. He had a remarkable ability to see things beyond what they appeared to be. Maybe my fruit flies do also. They seem to enjoy my market plunder as much as I do.
