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Spotlight on Arcimboldo: Art, Metamorphosis, and Alchemy in Europe with Laura Benitti

Spotlight on Arcimboldo: Art, Metamorphosis, and Alchemy in Europe with Laura Benitti


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Can't make this time? A video recording will be sent to all participants after the seminar.

Arcimboldo, a mannerist painter, son of a glass master of the Milan Cathedral, and a glassmaker himself was loved by the European courts. Maximilian of Habsburg invited him to Vienna, and Rudolph II summoned him to Prague, where he became interested in the alchemical and esoteric world, creating his unmistakable portraits, composed of fruits and vegetables, which made him famous.
In 1500, Milan was dominated by Spanish rule. That period saw Milan become one of the capitals of luxury in Europe: stained glass, opulent fabrics, precious armor, luxury items, swords, jewels, and festive costumes. Arcimboldo grew up in this atmosphere and learned his art and craft in a refined way, thanks to his father and his painting masters. Arcimboldo created glass windows, magnificent frescoes at the Duomo of Monza, near Milan, and he designed precious tapestries. Still, his most famous commissions arrived from the courts of Vienna and Prague, from the Emperors Maximilian of Habsburg and Rudolph II. Arcimboldo became an esoteric alchemical painter who conceived extraordinary portraits assembling objects, fruit, or vegetables, and paintings full of secret meanings.
Led by an expert on Art History, Laura Benitti, this interactive seminar will explore the art historical period of Mannerism through the Milanese painter Arcimboldo’s life and career. Designed to inform curiosity as well as future travels, participants will come away with increased knowledge about this fascinating period.

This seminar is a part of a wider series, each spotlighting on a different world-renowned artist in turn. For more details, click here. 

Laura was born in Turin, where she studied history of art, but moved to Milan in 2002. Since her graduation, she has accumulated a long experience as an art consultant and registrar in a few museums in Turin, as well as expertise as a local Milan guide. She loves to be both an experienced and friendly local ambassador of Milan and Como area for her travelers.

This conversation is suitable for all ages.

90 minutes, including a 30 minute Q&A.

Customer Reviews

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Kris Shapar (Stuttgart, DE)
Fascinating!

Learned much about a fascinating artist.

Customer Reviews

Based on 1 review
100%
(1)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
0%
(0)
K
Kris Shapar (Stuttgart, DE)
Fascinating!

Learned much about a fascinating artist.