The Genius of Benedetto Castiglione

Bartsch XXI.23 The most celebrated and technically accomplished of Castiglione's etchings is indicated by the inscription in the book held by the central figure "Genium Io: / Benedicti / Castilionis / Ianuen. / Inu. Fe". In the upper left a pair of disembodied hands holds a wreath that will glorify the artist, while a trumpeting putto heralds his fame. The monument in the centre is a reference to genius as worthy of worldly recognition, though clearly it is threatened by untended overgrowth and a gathering of ominous clouds - vagaries of time and fortune. A basket of birds and a rabbit symbolize the creative spirit.