ARCIMBOLDO, Giuseppe
(b. 1526, Milano, d. 1593, Milano)

Winter

c. 1572
Oil on canvas, 93 x 72 cm
The Menil Collection, Houston

Because of the similar dimensions and support (canvas), the Summer and the Autumn in Denver, and the Winter in Houston are considered to belong to the same series of Four Seasons.

The larger dimensions of this depiction of Winter and the consequent extension of details in the branches in the head do suggest that this painting is a variant, rather than a replica, of Arcimboldo's earlier version of the theme in Vienna. Other differences in details and qualities of execution support the hypothesis that it may be by the artist himself.