Bernardo Castello

Genoa, Palazzo Ducale, Luca Cambiaso. Un maestro del Cinquecento europeo, 3 March - 8 July 2007, no. 18.

F. Boggero, in P. Boccardo, C. Di Fabio, L. Magnani and J. Bober eds., Luca Cambiaso. Un maestro del Cinquecento europeo, exhibition catalogue, Genoa, Palazzo Ducale, 2007, p. 439, cat. no. 18, reproduced in colour.

The catalogue illustration is representative. The canvas has been sympathetically relined and the paint surface appears to be in good overall condition with no apparent damage or loss of paint except for what appear to be two minor surface scratches. The first is situated in the centre of the canvas and runs vertically down from the forearm of Romulus for approx. 10 cm. The second is situated centre left and runs vertically down for 15 cm. parallel to the left hand canvas edge. There appears to be surface dirt and a discoloured varnish overall. Examination under ultraviolet light confirms the presence of this varnish and reveals extensive flecks of cosmetic retouching overall, as well as revealing evidence of retouching to an old repaired horizontal line of damage in the upper centre which runs from above the head of Romulus to the left hand edge of the darker background column and measures approx. 20 cm. There is also retouching to an old stretcher bar mark at the left hand canvas edge as well as more concentrated retouching to the upper most canvas edge itself. Elsewhere there is retouching to a horizontal line of old repaired damage running left from just above the base of the right most column to the lower back of the soldier in a pink sash which measures approx. 10 cm.. There are also small repaired tears to the canvas edge running through the ankle of this soldier's right foot. Elsewhere there is another spot of retouching by the knee of his left leg (diameter 3cm.). Offered in a decorative gilt wood frame.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Stylistic similarities can be found in Bernardo Castello's frescoes, such as his Coriolanus meeting Volumnia and Verturia in the Villa Lomellini Rostan, Genoa, which is signed and dated 1588.