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.
At first look, Vertumnus by Giuseppe Arcimboldo presents itself as a surreal portrait made entirely out of Fruits, Vegetables and Flowers. however, the reality of this painting is much deeper, acting as a symbol of imperial rule and divine order over his nation. By Painting Emperor Rudolf II as Vertumnus, the Roman god of seasons and transformation, Arcimboldo is suggesting that the Emperor's power was so absolute that it harmonizes with the laws of nature itself. the painting makes the viewer shift their focus between the micro individual details, and the huge psychological profile of the ruler as a whole.
