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Arcimboldo, a 16th century Italian artist [working in Vienna and Prague] is an artist with an indisputable claim, he single mindedly pursued his invention, the so-termed composite head, applying it to numerous and varied subjects. Apt and witty combinations of animals, fish, fruit, vegetables, and a variety of other objects, all painted with meticulous realism, are fitted together into head and shoulder figures that sometimes have the look of portraits. He also devised compositions that can be hung upside down as well as right side up. Arcimboldo's major works were his numerous series on allegorical themes, especially the Four Seasons and the Four Elements. 52 plates (12 of these are two page spreads) , including 46 in full color.