the name of numerous towns and villages of Italy, the principal of which is the CASTIGLIONE DELLA STELLA, in the Austrian delegation of Mantua, 22 miles N.W. of the town of that name. It is chiefly noted for the victory gained here by the French over the Austrian forces 5th August 1796. It has several churches, a ruined castle, and about 5000 inhabitants.

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.

Giovanni Benedetto, a celebrated painter, was born at Genoa, and studied for some time under Vandyk. He painted portraits, historical pieces, and landscapes; but is said chiefly to have excelled in fairs, markets, and rural scenes. His paintings are to be found at Rome, Venice, Naples, and Florence. He also executed a great number of etchings, which are spirited, free, and full of taste. His son, Francesco, excelled in the same subjects; and it is thought that many paintings which are ascribed to Benedetto are only copies after him, or perhaps originals by his son.