Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, Man Wearing a Small Turban Ornamented with Plumes and Ribbon, Facing Right |
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| Artist: | Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609 - 1665) |
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| Title: | Man Wearing a Small Turban Ornamented with Plumes and Ribbon, Facing Right |
| Medium: | Original Etching |
| Image Size: | 4 1/4 in x 3 1/4 in (10.8 cm x 8.3 cm) |
| Sheet Size: | 4 1/4 in x 3 1/4 in (10.8 cm x 8.3 cm) |
| Framed Size: | 18 1/2 in x 17 1/2 in (47 cm x 44.5 cm) |
| Signature: | This original etching is signed (in monogram) in the plate in the upper right 'G Castiglione Genovese.' |
| Condition: | This piece is in excellent condition. |
| ID # | w-3335 |
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Price on Request
Questions? |
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This original etching is signed (in monogram) in the plate in the upper right 'G Castiglione Genovese.' It is from the first and only state and belongs to the series known as the "Small Studies of Heads in Oriental Headdress." Unidentified pencil marks on verso; 2 unidentified collectors' stamps on verso stamped over in black and one unidentified collector's stamp 'St K' (not in Lugt) also on verso.
In this work, Castiglione, Rembrandt's light and airy Italian contemporary, offers a stunning portrait of a young man. This small treasure is an illustration of Castiglione's lively handling of the etching needle that produced rich textures and a range of dark tonalities for which he was revered. Castiglione sought to create not only a portrait, but an assessment of his subject's character using the Renaissance science of physiognomy in which the temperament and other characteristic qualities of the mind could be discerned based on a careful inspection of facial features. The soft eyes, strong nose, pursed lips, and prominent chin, are those of the Renaissance ideal, and denoted a much desired balance of intelligence and strength. It is under Castiglione's soft touch that these traits are highlighted rather than merely described. Using a myriad of organized zig zags, scribbles, and cross hatchings, Castiglione summons both the regale facial features and the young man's added ornamentation of a feathered cap adding to the his quiet dignity.
DOCUMENTED AND ILLUSTRATED IN:
1. Bartsch. The Illustrated Bartsch Vol. 46 Part 1. Edited by Paolo Bellini. New York: Abaris Books, 1981. Illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 33 (28) on pg. 45.
2. Bartsch. The Illustrated Bartsch Vol 46 Part 2. Edited by Paolo Bellini. New York: Abaris Books, 1981. Illustrated as catalogue raisonné no. 33 on pgs. 48-49.
PROVENANCE: Empyraeum Antiquaria - Germany
ABOUT THE FRAMING:
Conservation framed with museum quality archival materials, this work is float mounted in an ornate gold frame. The intricately sculpted moulding with organic arching shapes compliments the linear quality of this work. Coupled with minor antiquing, the bright and fresh gold moulding delicately accentuates darks and light found within the work. Completed with white linen wrapped mattes and a matching gold inner fillet, this work is set behind archival Plexiglas.
