Paintings Reproductions The Librarian, 1566 by Giuseppe Arcimboldo (1527-1593, Italy) | WahooArt.com

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"The Librarian"

Giuseppe Arcimboldo (i) - Oil On Canvas (i) - 97 x 71 cm - 1566 - (Skoklosters Slott (Sweden)) (i)

A Masterpiece of Abstract Art in the 16th Century

Giuseppe Arcimboldo, an Italian artist from the Renaissance period, created a series of paintings called 'The Four Elements' in 1566. Among these masterpieces is 'The Librarian', which is currently housed at Skokloster Castle in Sweden. This painting is thought to be a portrait of Wolfgang Lazius, a humanist and historian who served Holy Roman Emperors of the House of Habsburg.

A Portrait Made of Books

Arcimboldo was known for his unique style of creating portraits using an assemblage of objects such as fruits, vegetables, flowers, or in this case, books. The Librarian is a celebration and satirical mocking of librarians and scholarship, featuring a face made entirely of books. However, some argue that it may be specifically a parody of materialistic book collectors more interested in acquiring books than in reading them.

A Later Copy of Arcimboldo's Original Painting

The original title of the painting is unknown, and its current title first appears (in Swedish as "Bibliotekarien") in an early 20th-century inventory. There are three other extant versions of the painting whose attributions are uncertain. A scientific study published in 2011 concluded that The Librarian was a later copy of Arcimboldo's original painting, whose whereabouts are unknown.

Bringing Art to Your Home

At WahooArt.com, we offer high-quality reproductions of famous artworks, including 'The Librarian' by Giuseppe Arcimboldo. Our handmade oil paintings and print on canvas are perfect for adding a touch of elegance to your home or office. Browse our collection today and find the perfect piece of art for you! Skokloster Castle, located in Sweden, is home to two works by Arcimboldo: 'The Librarian' and 'Vertumnus'. The painting was brought to Sweden following the looting of Prague Castle by the Swedish army during the 1648 Battle of Prague and was owned by General Hans Christoff von Königsmarck.

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Visit WahooArt.com to learn more about Giuseppe Arcimboldo and his masterpiece 'The Librarian'. Our website offers a wealth of information on famous artists and their works, making us the perfect destination for art lovers and collectors alike.

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