Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (160964) was perhaps the most innovative and technically brilliant Italian draftsman of his time.Working in oils on paper he produced large, vibrant compositions as works of art in their own right; his dramatic etchings were as intense as those of Rembrandt; and he combined drawing and printmaking to invent the technique of the monotype.

Though highly esteemed for a century after his death, he has fallen from fame in the modern era. In this book, the first publication on Castiglione in decades, extensive new research reveals the story of the artists scandalous private life, in fascinating contrast to the ethereal beauty of his art. Illustrated with over 80 of Castigliones extraordinary works from the Royal Collection, this catalogue restores his reputation as one of the great artists of the Baroque.