Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (Italian, 1609-1664) The Genius of Benedetto Castiglione (Bartsch 23; Bellini 56; Percy E16) Etching, 1648, on laid paper, a very good impression of the third (final) state, with wide margins, framed Plate 370 x 250mm (14 5/8 x 9 7/8in) Sheet 544 x 402mm (21 1/2 x 15 3/4in) Footnotes: Provenance Collection of Brian Sewell (1931-2015). Private Collection, UK. The figure in Castiglione's most famous etching is a representation of artistic accomplishment intended to promote his talent to prospective patrons. With this in mind, his publisher Gian Giacomo de' Rossi dedicated the work to a Dutch collector, Matthijs van de Merwede. It is a virtuoso creation with many elements to catch the eye; the artist's palette and sheet music representing his creativity, a rabbit and poultry symbolizing fruitfulness and a crown of laurel leaves for fame and immortality. For further information on this lot please visit Bonhams.com For further information about this lot please visit the lot listing