Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione

Place: Genoa

Born: 1609

Death: 1664

Biography:

Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione was a prominent Italian Baroque artist, painter, printmaker, and draftsman of the Genoese school. Born in 1609 and baptized on March 23, he is best known for his elaborate engravings and as the inventor of the printmaking technique of monotyping.

Early Life and Training

Castiglione's early training is unclear, but it is believed that he may have studied with Sinibaldo Scorza. He was also influenced by Anthony van Dyck and Peter Paul Rubens, whose paintings were readily accessible in Genoa during the 17th century. Castiglione's style was characterized by his mastery of line and shading, which allowed him to create highly detailed and realistic images.

Artistic Career

Castiglione painted portraits, historical pieces, and landscapes, but he came to specialize in rural scenes with more animals than human figures. Noah's Ark and the animals entering the ark was a favorite subject of his. He also executed some sixty etchings, including Diogenes searching for a Man and The Genius of Castiglione, published by Giovanni Giacomo de Rossi in 1648. Castiglione's most popular and influential prints were a series of exotic heads, mostly of vaguely Oriental males, but also of women. These were produced in great numbers and can be found in various museums, including the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Among the subjects of his etchings are Diogenes with his lantern, Noah leading animals into Arc, and Circe surrounded by animals.

Influence and Legacy

Castiglione was renowned for his ability to paint animals, mostly farm animals, and they were often a dominant motif in his paintings. For example, in the painting of Jesus clearing the temple of Moneylenders, the religious event is a minor, background part of the painting, while the stampede of animals is far more prominent than the scattering of bankers. Castiglione's attention to detail in the depiction of nature is regarded as proof of the influence of Scorza and the Flemish still life and animal painter Jan Roos. He also influenced Anton Maria Vassallo, a fellow artist of the time. Key aspects of Castiglione's work include his use of monotyping, his ability to paint animals, and his influence on other artists. His legacy can be seen in the many museums that house his work, including the Albertina Museum in Vienna.

• Monotyping: Castiglione invented this printmaking technique, which allowed for greater creativity and expression.
• Animal painting: Castiglione's ability to paint animals was a key aspect of his work, with many of his paintings featuring more animals than human figures.
• Influence on other artists: Castiglione's influence can be seen in the work of other artists, including Anton Maria Vassallo.

For more information on Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione and his work, visit Wikioo.org or Wikipedia.