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Kunsthistorisches Museum

Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel. Nature's Time

11 March to 29 June 2025

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Press texts

Press release
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel 

Exhibition Booklet

Press images

Das Bild zeigt ein fantasievolles Gesicht zusammengesetzt aus Pflanzen und Früchten, die typisch für die vier Jahreszeiten sind. Darunter sind Äpfel, Trauben und Kirschen. Um das Gesicht sind Äste, Wurzeln und Blätter zu sehen, während die Unterseite wie eine Art Kragen mit Weizenähren und bunten Blumen verziert ist. Die farbenfrohe Darstellung symbolisiert die Natur und Fruchtbarkeit.

Four Seasons in One Head
Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526–1593) 
c.1590 
Washington, National Gallery of Art, Paul Mellon Fund

Das Bild zeigt ein Porträt mit einer menschlichen Figur, deren Kopf aus einer Vielzahl von Obst und Gemüse besteht. Die Figur trägt eine Kleidung aus Stroh und Getreide, die kunstvoll gestaltet ist. Insgesamt vermittelt das Bild eine Verbindung zur Natur und Fruchtbarkeit.

Summer
Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526–1593) 
dated 1563 
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband 

Ein groteskes Menschengesicht mit einer wilden Wurzel- und Pflanzenstruktur als Kopf, umhüllt von einem goldenen Gewand ähnlich einer Bastmatte. Ein Zweig mit einer Zitrone und einem Pfirsich steht aus dem Halsausschnitt des Gewandes hervor. Der Hintergrund ist dunkel, was den Fokus auf das Gesicht und die Früchte lenkt. Das Bild symbolisiert den Winter.

Winter
Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526–1593) 
dated 1563 
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband 

The Earth, c. 1570 - Arcimboldo, Giuseppe (1527-1593)

Earth
Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526–1593) 
Earth 
c.1566 
Panel; 70 x 49 cm 
LIECHTENSTEIN, The Princely Collections,  
Vaduz – Vienna 
© LIECHTENSTEIN, The Princely Collections, 
Vaduz – Vienna/SCALA, Florence

Allegorie des Frühlings

Spring
Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1526–1593)  
Spring 
1555/60 
Panel; 68.3 × 57 cm 
Munich, Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen,  
Alte Pinakothek 
© bpk/Bayerische Staatsgemäldesammlungen

A pastoral scene depicting several people engaged in activities around a farm. Some are tending to sheep, while others harvest crops or work with tools. Distant hills and small cottages create a serene rural landscape, filled with earthy colors and a cloudy sky.

Summer (Sacrifice of Isaac)
Jacopo da Ponte, known as Jacopo Bassano (c. 1510–1592) 
c. 1576 
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband 

A pastoral scene featuring two men by a large white horse and a brown cow among a group of sheep, dogs, and farm animals. The background includes trees and a distant farmhouse under a cloudy sky. The atmosphere is tranquil and rustic.

Sleeping Shepherd
Jacopo dal Ponte, called Bassano (1510/12–1592)  
Sleeping Shepherd 
c.1568 
Canvas; 99.5 × 137.5 cm 
Budapest, Szépművészeti Múzeum 
© Szépművészeti Múzeum/Museum of Fine Arts

A busy rural scene depicts people engaged in various activities, such as farming, cooking, and caring for animals. The foreground features women preparing food, men working with carts, and livestock. A serene landscape with trees and mountains is visible in the background, adding to the pastoral setting.

Summer
Francesco dal Ponte, called Bassano (1549–1592)  
Summer 
c.1580 
Canvas; 111 cm × 145.5 cm 
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband

The image depicts a rural scene with farmers engaged in various activities. A woman feeds chickens, while others harvest crops and tend to livestock. In the background, a distant landscape features trees and hills under a cloudy sky, capturing a serene agrarian lifestyle.

June
Leandro dal Ponte, genannt Bassano (1557–1622) 
June 
1581/87 
Canvas; 145 × 216 cm 
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband

A pastoral scene depicts farmers leading cattle down a hillside towards a valley. The landscape features rolling hills, a meandering river, and dramatic, cloudy skies. Trees are scattered throughout, creating a serene yet dynamic environment that captures the essence of rural life.

The Return of the Herd (Autumn)
Pieter Bruegel d. Ä. (um 1525/30–1569) 
dated 1565 
Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband

A winter landscape features people and animals engaging in activities on snow-covered hills. In the background, a frozen lake hosts skaters and structures, while trees frame the scene, adding to the serene atmosphere of a lively winter day.

The Hunters in the Snow (Winter)
Pieter Bruegel the Elder (1525/30–1569) 
1565 
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband 

Three figures are depicted in a serene landscape. One man sits on a stone, playing a musical instrument, while another stands nearby in colorful robes, and an older man holds a scroll. The background features trees and a distant horizon with hills under a blue sky.

The Tree Philosophers
Giorgio da Castelfranco,  
called Giorgione (1477/78–1510) 
The Three Philosophers 
1508/09 
Canvas; 125.5 × 146.2 cm 
Vienna, Kunsthistorisches Museum, Picture Gallery 
© KHM-Museumsverband

A detailed pencil drawing featuring two plant studies: on the left, a slender plant with delicate leaves and stems, and on the right, a cluster of acorns attached to a leafy oak branch, showcasing fine line work and shading to emphasize their natural forms.

Sprigs of Oak and Dyer’s Greenweed
Leonardo da Vinci (1452–1519)  
Sprigs of Oak (Quercus robur) and Dyer’s Greenweed (Genista tinctoria) 
1506/12 
Red chalk, touches of white chalk, on orange-red prepared paper; 188 × 154 mm 
The Royal Collection/HM King Charles III 
© Royal Collection Enterprises Limited 2025, 
Royal Collection Trust

A delicate bouquet of violet flowers with prominent green leaves, centered on a cream-colored background. The artwork features soft colors and subtle details, emphasizing the flowers' natural beauty. The overall composition is framed within a simple decorative border.

Bouquet of Violets
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) 
Bouquet of Violets 
1495/1500 
Watercolour and gouache on vellum, highlighted with 
white, mounted on cardboard; 115 × 102 mm  
Vienna, Albertina 
© Albertina, Vienna

A detailed illustration of a bird with a vibrant blue and green plumage, lying on its back with wings spread wide, showcasing its colorful feathers and open beak. The background is neutral, emphasizing the bird's vivid colors and intricate details.

Dead European Roller
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528) 
c. 1500 (?) 
© Vienna, Albertina

A historical celestial map showing constellations and zodiac signs. Figures representing mythological characters surround a circular depiction of the night sky, with stars and constellations labeled in Latin. Lines connect the stars to illustrate constellations, emphasizing the arrangement of celestial bodies.

Map of the Northern Sky
Albrecht Dürer (1471–1528)  
Map of the Northern Sky 
1515 
Woodcut, coloured; 450 × 433 mm 
Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München 
© Staatliche Graphische Sammlung München

The image depicts two drawings of deer in a stylized illustration. The top figure shows a deer with antlers walking, while the bottom figure presents a side view of a deer facing forward. Both illustrations are rendered in soft, muted colors.

Taccuino di disegni
Giovannino de’ Grassi (documented in Milan c.1389–
1398) and Workshop  
Taccuino di disegni 
1385/1410 
Various techniques on parchment; 32 numbered 
leaves; 205 × 146 mm–260 × 186 mm 
Bergamo, Biblioteca Civica ‘Angelo Mai’ e Archivi 
Storici, Cassaf. 
© Biblioteca Civica Angelo Mai e Archivi storici

The image depicts a page from a manuscript featuring two animal illustrations: a leaping deer with antlers above, and a leopard lying down below, characterized by its spotted fur. The artwork highlights the forms and postures of each animal.

Taccuino di disegni
Giovannino de’ Grassi (documented in Milan c.1389–
1398) and Workshop  
Taccuino di disegni 
1385/1410 
Various techniques on parchment; 32 numbered 
leaves; 205 × 146 mm–260 × 186 mm 
Bergamo, Biblioteca Civica ‘Angelo Mai’ e Archivi 
Storici, Cassaf. 
© Biblioteca Civica Angelo Mai e Archivi storici

A museum display featuring two framed portraits on a dark blue wall. The left portrait depicts a person with a colorful headdress, while the right portrait shows a figure with elaborate floral adornments. In front, a glass case holds two open books with illustrations.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

A gallery interior featuring three framed paintings on a dark wall, depicting historic scenes with people and landscapes. In the foreground, a glass display case contains open antique books, showcasing their pages. The flooring is made of light wooden planks.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

Two ornate framed paintings hang on a dark blue wall in an art gallery. A low rectangular display table runs beneath the paintings, with a wooden floor visible in the foreground. The artwork features complex scenes with figures and nature.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

Interior of an art gallery featuring two paintings on the walls—one a portrait and the other botanical. Display cases hold open art books, while a grand entrance leads to a red-lit room in the background. The floor has a herringbone wood pattern.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

Three framed portraits hang against a teal wall, showcasing individuals adorned with crowns of foliage and flowers. Below the portraits, there are art pieces on a display surface, accompanied by informational labels. The overall atmosphere is that of an art gallery.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

A framed painting features a face made of various fruits and vegetables, including apples, grapes, and flowers. The background is dark, and the frame is ornate, adding contrast to the vivid colors of the produce. The painting is displayed against a deep red wall.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

Three framed paintings are displayed in a gallery. The left painting features a snowy landscape with animals, the center painting depicts a serene scene with trees, and the right painting shows a lush landscape with various animals. A dark display table runs along the foreground.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

A gallery space featuring a blue wall displaying six framed portraits of individuals with floral decorations. A glass display case holds open books and additional artwork. The floor is wood-paneled, enhancing the artistic ambiance of the room.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

Two framed paintings hang on a green wall in a gallery. The left painting depicts a pastoral scene with people and livestock, while the right painting showcases a similar theme of figures interacting with animals. In front, a glass display case runs along the wall.

Exhibition view
Arcimboldo – Bassano – Bruegel
Exhibition view
© KHM-Museumsverband, Photo: Jakob Gsoellpointner

Press contact

Mag. Dr. Wolfgang Lamprecht (ext. Leitung)
+43 1 525 24 4021

Mag. Sarah Aistleitner
+43 1 525 24 4025

Tanja Stigler

+43 1 525 24 4019

presse@khm.at

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