The Genius of Castiglione
1645–47, published 1648
Medium
Etching in black on ivory laid paper
Dimensions
37 × 24.2 cm (14 5/8 × 9 9/16 in.)
Classification
etching
Department
Prints and Drawings
Museum
Art Institute of Chicago
Accession Number
40826
Rights
Public Domain
About this artwork
Reflecting on his own prolific creativity, Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione creates a rich allegory. Fame is personified as a reclining half-nude male youth holding a trumpet. In the upper left, a winged infant blows a horn and points to a crown of laurel leaves, a symbol of immortality. Futility (foul and rabbit) and artistic creativity (pallet, brushes, and sheet music) are at Fame’s feet. Heralded as one of the most creative etchers in Italy, Castiglione was inspired by Dutch artists’ work, pa...
About the Artist
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione · 1609–1664
Versatile and eclectic artist open to foreign influence which was unusual for an Italian artist of his time. Some of his best-known works are somewhat fantastical. He was court painter at Mantua from 1648. Comment on works: Religious; Landscapes; Animals; Mythology.