Lot 68: Giovanni Battista Castello , Genoa 1549 - 1639 the birth of the virgin Gouache on vellum with touches of gold, within black framing lines

Gouache on vellum with touches of gold, within black framing lines

measurements note 260 by 204 mm

Another version of this gouache, with small differences, is published by Clario di Fabio in his exhibition catalogue devoted to Castello.υ1 He believes that the composition is inspired by an altarpiece by G.B. Paggi, painted in 1597 for the cathedral in Lucca.υ2 Although there are considerable differences between this gouache and Paggi's painting, the facial types are indeed reminiscent of Paggi so the connection to the work of that artist is convincing. 1. S. Clario di Fabio, Gio. Battista Castello, 'Il Genovese', exhibition catalogue, Genoa, Palazzo Bianco, 1990, p. 37, cat. no. 23, reproduced in color 2. See M. Newcome Schleier, Le Dessin à Gênes du XVIe au XVIIe siècle, exhibition catalogue, Paris, Louvre, 1985, p. 38, reproduced under cat. no. 29