Castiglione

Today The Queen's Gallery in Buckingham Palace opened two new exhibitions. The first is Castiglione: Lost Genius (CLICK). Thanks to King George III, the Royal Collection holds the finest surviving collection of the works of Giovanni Benedetto Castiglione (1609-64), 90 of which are on display. He was one of the most innovative draughtsman of the Baroque period, but he was also a violent and impetuous man. Shown is his Self-portrait. This show looks well worth viewing. The second exhibition is Gifted: From the Royal Academy to The Queen. To celebrate the Diamond Jubilee, the Royal Academy of Arts presented a gift of 97 works on paper to Her Majesty. As the current crop of Academicians comprise inartistic gimmick-peddlers, this show is a waste of space. The Gallery is offering entry to both exhibitions for the price of one: £9.50 adults, £8.75 silver surfers. There is a booking fee of £1.25 per ticket.