CASTIGLIONE, Baldassare, an eminent Italian nobleman, was born at Casalico in the duchy of Mantua, in 1478. He studied painting, sculpture, and architecture, and excelled so much in these arts that Raphael and Michael Angelo never thought their works complete without the approbation of Count Castiglione. He first distinguished himself in military service under the Duke of Milan, and was afterwards employed in a diplomatic capacity at the courts of Pope Julius II., Louis XII. of France, and Henry VII. of England. On his return he began his celebrated work entitled the Cortegiano, which he completed at Rome in 1516. This work is full of moral and political instruction, and is written in a style of classic elegance and purity. A version of this work, together with the original Italian, was published at London in 1727, by A. P. Castiglione, a relative of the author. Count Castiglione was sent by Clement VII. as delegate to the court of the emperor Charles V., and died at Toledo in 1529. His death was probably hastened by an accusation which had been raised against him after the sack of Rome of having neglected the interests of his country.