Vertumnus Portrait Made from Fruits and Vegetables Statue by Arcimboldo

Arcimboldo’s Vertumnus – Bust of Emperor Rudolph II

From the Parastone Museum Collection | Inspired by the original painting (c. 1591)

In this remarkable sculptural bust, Emperor Rudolph II is reimagined as Vertumnus, the Roman god of autumn and abundance. The original portrait—painted by Giuseppe Arcimboldo in the late 16th century—is one of the most eccentric and iconic works of Renaissance art. Using a masterful assembly of fruits, vegetables, and flowers, Arcimboldo transforms the emperor into a living embodiment of the harvest, symbolizing a ruler whose wise governance yields peace and prosperity.

This intricately detailed reproduction captures the surreal brilliance of Arcimboldo’s composite portrait, blending humor, symbolism, and imaginative craftsmanship. Every grape, apple, ear of corn, and root is painted by hand to echo the textures and tones of the original painting.

Product Details:

• Dimensions: 4.5" H x 3.5" W x 2.5" D. AR01

• Weight: 1.25 lbs

• Material: Resin with hand-painted details

• Collection: Parastone Museum Collection – Faithful reproduction from a museum original

About the Artist: Giuseppe Arcimboldo (c. 1527–1593)

Born in Milan, Arcimboldo began his career painting for the Milan Cathedral, like his father. His fate changed dramatically in 1562 when he was invited to the Habsburg court in Prague. He served as court painter to three emperors—Ferdinand I, Maximilian II, and Rudolph II—and became renowned for his imaginative portraits composed entirely of natural elements: flowers, fruit, animals, books, even sea creatures.

His "composite heads," including The Four Seasons and Vertumnus, blend Renaissance naturalism with surreal fantasy. Though seen as eccentric in his time, Arcimboldo is now celebrated as a pioneer of the fantastical and surreal in art.

A Surreal Collector's Piece

These busts from Parastone’s Arcimboldo series bridge the gap between Renaissance ingenuity and modern imagination. They evoke a playful, almost sci-fi edge—like characters from a surreal comic book come to life. Equal parts bizarre and brilliant, they make fascinating conversation pieces for art lovers, collectors of the unusual, or fans of the fantastical.