The Life of Bernardo Castello
Bernardo Castello was an Italian painter of the late Mannerist style, primarily active in Genoa and Liguria. Born in San Martino d'Albaro, he began his artistic journey as an apprentice under Luca Cambiaso and Andrea Semino. His career took him across Italy, where he developed a unique style through encounters with various painters. Beyond his work in Genoa, Castello was employed in Rome and worked for the Duke of Savoy, Charles Emmanuel I.
Castello was known as a portrait and historical painter and maintained friendships with famous poets such as Torquato Tasso and Gabriello Chiabrera. He notably served as the illustrator for editions of Tasso's Jerusalem Delivered published in 1590 and 1617, with some illustrations engraved by Agostino Carracci. He died in October 1629 at the age of seventy-two, shortly before he was to paint a work for St. Peter's Basilica in Rome.
Notable Works and Legacy
Castello's extensive body of work includes numerous frescoes and altarpieces distributed throughout Genoa and the surrounding regions. His fresco cycles can be found in the Imperial Palace, Palazzo Spinola di Pellicceria, and De Franchi palace in Genoa. His religious paintings include:
- The Martyrdom of St. John the Baptist in the church of Jesus, Genoa.
- St Francis of Paola in the church of Our Lady of Mount Carmel and St. Agnes, Genoa.
- Esther and Ahasuerus in the church of the Saints Cosmas and Damian, Genoa.
- Madonna and Child with Saints Nicholas and Magdalene in the church of St Mary Magdalene, Genoa.
- The Martyrdom of St Peter of Verona (1597) in the church of Santa Maria di Castello, Genoa.
- Stoning of Saint Stephen the Protomartyr in the church of San Giorgio dei Genovesi, Palermo.
Castello's legacy also includes his son, Valerio Castello, who became a prominent Genoese painter of the 17th century.
