Castiglione: Lost Genius

Product DescriptionGiovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609-64) was perhaps the most innovative and technically brilliant Italian draftsman of his time.Working in oils on paper he produced large, vibrant compositions as works of art in their own right; his dramatic etchings were as intense as those of Rembrandt; and he combined drawing and printmaking to invent the technique of the monotype.Though highly esteemed for a century after his death, he has fallen from fame in the modern era. In this book, the first publication on Castiglione in decades, extensive new research reveals the story of the artists scandalous private life, in fascinating contrast to the ethereal beauty of his art. Illustrated with over 80 of Castigliones extraordinary works from the Royal Collection, this catalogue restores his reputation as one of the great artists of the Baroque.ReviewAlthough Castiglione is a big name in seventeenth-century Italian art, even fans of the period might have trouble associating him with a particular artwork. One of the most technically accomplished draftsmen of the Baroque period, he has unaccountably fallen from recognition in the modern era. But this exhibition, provocatively subtitled Lost Genius seeks to correct that oversight. . . . Taken together, the works in this splendidly conceived exhibition demonstrate that Castiglione was a major figure in art history.-- ArtNews, on the exhibition (4/22/2014 12:00:00 AM)Fascinating, from beginning to end. . . . Looking at the works, its easy to see why Castiglione was popular in his day and to guess why he faded into relative obscurity after he died. He was a difficult soul, according to the curators, a lawbreaker, shady businessman, perhaps even a violent criminal. His personal reputation suffered along with his legacy. . . . Instead, he is survived by questions--and a few boosters in the local museum community who believe in his brilliance. Now, they just have to convince the rest of the world.-- Denver Post, on the exhibition (8/31/2015 12:00:00 AM)About the AuthorTimothy J. Standring is the Gates Foundation Curator of Painting and Sculpture at the Denver Art Museum.Martin Clayton is Senior Curator of Prints and Drawings in the Royal Library at Windsor Castle. With Ron Philo, he is coauthor ofLeonardo da Vinci: Anatomist, also published by Royal Collection Trust.