Giovanni Battista Castello, il Bergamasco (Gandino ca. 1509-1579 Madrid)

Formerly in the Sagredo collection, this large and richly elaborate design is a rare example of Castello's talent as an architect, sculptor and designer. Depicting a church altar in elevation, featuring mascarons and two putti flanking the dove of the Holy Spirit, it was likely conceived for a Genoese patrician commision. Together with Cambiaso, Castello established the local drawing tradition, with flowing ink lines conveying a rich and opulant decorative style.