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Castiglione - Rogue Genius of the Baroque

Helen Rosslyn makes the case for troubled, turbulent 17th century printmaker and draftsman Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione to be seen as one of the great artists of the Baroque.

One of the most innovative artists of the 17th century, printmaker and draftsman Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione was also a violent, impetuous man, repeatedly in court for assault and even accused of murder. His turbulent life often overshadowed his artistic brilliance, and Castiglione struggled to achieve recognition in his own lifetime.

Yet his pioneering printmaking techniques would influence generations of later artists including Degas and Picasso and with the UK's first major exhibition of his work currently running at the Queen's Gallery in Buckingham Palace, art historian Helen Rosslyn makes the case for Castiglione to be seen as one of the great artists of the Baroque.

Featuring exclusive access to Castiglione's original prints and drawings in the library at Windsor Castle, uncovering documents that throw new light on his troubled personality and revealing fascinating insights into his ground-breaking printmaking methods, Helen tells the story of one of the forgotten geniuses of art history.

30 minutes

Credits

Role Contributor
Presenter Helen Rosslyn
Producer Kemi Majekodunmi
Director Kemi Majekodunmi
Executive Producer Richard Bright

Broadcasts

Your Paintings:Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione

Explore the artist's work in the National Collection and find out where you can see it