Vegetables have been present in artwork for almost as long as artists have been recording the world around them. As artists became more skilled at their interpretations, particularly in modern times, vegetables now make up their own art category with a range of styles that appeal to audiences around the world.
Still life art has been a classical venue where vegetable art was portrayed. These works, such as John Rossini's 'Jugs and Pumpkins', are typically realistic in their depiction and have realistic shading combined with an earthy appeal that has attracted audiences for centuries.
Modern artists use still life styles in their works with vegetables, as well. Although these works typically have more graphically focused elements, such as borders and design elements, these works still present all of the aspects that have made still life art a favorite among art enthusiasts, as seen in Kate Middlebrook's painting 'Peas'. These works aren't as deeply hued as traditional examples but are full of a vivacious life all their own.
Contemporary cuisine artwork often employs vegetable art in their interpretations, as well. This is because many cultures have unique vegetables that are incorporated into their own culinary culture and have, in many ways, become synonymous with the people who live in those environs. An example of this is seen in the treatment of jalapeno pepper in Mexican cuisine. These works can either appear with a lone subject, such as the 'Chili' series by Delphine Corbin, or as a colorful element that emphasizes the main subject like 'Chili Fiesta' by R. C. Gorman.
Mannerist painter Giuseppe Arcimboldo was one of the most famous vegetable artists in the 16th century. Mannerists were concerned with showing the bond between man and nature and Arcimboldo's portraits were made entirely out of vegetables and other natural life. His most famous painting, a portrait of Roman Emperor Rudolf II called 'Vertumnus' has encouraged several modern artists like Greg Brown, whose whimsical works of vegetable art are in high demand among modern art enthusiasts and consumers.
