The popular picture painted by Giuseppe Arcimboldo is called *Vertumnus*. The author represents Emperor Rudolf II as Vertumnus, namely as a Roman deity of seasons, growth, vegetation, and change. In other words, all parts which are common for portraits and can be seen on faces become vegetables, grains, and flowers.
It is clear that this painting reflects positively the era when Emperor Rudolf II ruled. In other words, the way in which he is represented shows that this emperor not only manages people, but he also is able to manage nature because he himself is a god who is able to ensure the prosperity and productivity of his land.
What can be considered the main idea of this picture? First of all, it is important to say that the artist managed to create a kind of illusion: first, everybody sees a picture that looks like a portrait, but then everybody realizes that all the elements of the face are actually fruits and vegetables. It means that one sees the embodiment of metamorphosis.
Conclusion In brief, Vertumnus can be considered a highly intelligent painting that touches on the themes of power, nature, and perception. This painting clearly demonstrates how it was possible for the artist to depict a painting that combines both reality and fantasy.
The painting "Rudolf II of Habsburg as Vertumnus" by artist Giuseppe Arcimboldo, is an artwork that stands out by the style used for the portrait, as at the time the job of a portrait like the one presented was to be sent to prospect candidates for marriage or foreign dignitaries to create positive political relations. However, the portrait depicts Emperor Rudolf II completely made out of fruit, which can be an allegory towards his position as king, representing him as the ruler of all seasons and the great prosperity of his monarchy. The variety of flowers and fruits can be interpreted as a symbolism for the golden era his government wanted to represent, in this case the portrait works in favor of the king, portraying a strong and powerful image to foreign visitors.
