Castiglione: Lost Genius

venue: The Queen's Gallery, Palace of Holyroodhouse

The Royal Collection houses the largest extant group of drawings by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609-64), one of the most innovative and technically brilliant Italian draftsman of his time. Castiglione worked in oils on paper to produce large, vibrant compositions, and combined drawing and printmaking to invent the technique of monotype.

Despite leading a violent and turbulent life, he produced works of grace and rare beauty, which were highly esteemed for a century after his death. But Castiglione unaccountably fell from fame in the modern era.

This exhibition showcases Castiglione's works and discusses them in the context of important new archival research on the artist's turbulent career and reputation.