Artwork
Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait)

Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat (so-called Self-Portrait) is an ink print by the Baroque artist Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione. It dates from 1646 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
- Inscription
- Inscribed:upper left in plate: GB. CASTILIONVS / GENOVESE. FE.; by later hand, on mount, lower right in graphite: No. 15
About this work
Overview
Head of a Young Man in a Feathered Hat is an etching on laid paper created by Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione, an Italian artist known for his work in various mediums, around 1646.
Subject & Meaning
The etching depicts a young man with curly hair and beard, wearing a feathered hat, and is characterized by rough, expressive lines. The subject's serious expression and the informal style of the work suggest a spontaneous or observational portrait.
Technique & Style
The print showcases Castiglione's skill with etching, a technique involving the use of acid to carve lines into a metal plate, which is then inked and pressed onto paper. The resulting image features textured, scratchy lines that convey a sense of immediacy.
History & Provenance
Castiglione, also known as Il Grechetto in Italy and Le Benédette in France, was a prominent figure in the Genoese school of painting and printmaking. His etchings, including this work, are notable for their innovative and expressive qualities.
Own this work as a print
Artist & collection
Artist
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione
Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (baptized 23 March 1609 – 5 May 1664) was an Italian Baroque painter, printmaker and draftsman, of the Genoese school.








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