Lot 57: * GIOVANNI BATTISTA CASTELLO GENOA 1549 - 1639

THE PRESENTATION OF THE VIRGIN

THE PRESENTATION OF THE VIRGIN

measurements note
241 by 180mm; 9 1/2 by 7 1/16 in

dated in brown ink, on the stone step: 1589.;
signed with monogram, dated and inscribed in brown ink, on vellum attached to backing board: BC 1589/genova

gouache heightened with gold, over black chalk on vellum, laid down on board, backed with vellum

NOTE

Giovanni Battista Castello was one of the most renowned miniaturists of his time. In the 1580s, he was commissioned to illuminate the choir books of El Escorial by King Philip II of Spain, probably on the recommendation of his teacher, Luca Cambiaso, who was working in Spain in 1584. However, as may be seen from the inscription on the backing, Castello had returned to Genoa by 1589. This is one of the earliest known miniatures by the artist.