Vincenzo Giustiniani (1564–1637), the Genoese nobleman, banker, patron of the arts, connoisseur and critic, is best known for his unexcelled private collection of antique sculptures and Renaissance and contemporary paintings, his vigorous support of the young painter Caravaggio, his two-volume Galleria Giustiniana, and his letters on painting, sculpture and music. Neglected until recently,
... [Show full abstract] however, is his letter of about 1615 to 1620 to Teodoro Amideni, in which he offers advice on the siting, planning, designing and construction of a private house and garden. It is a translation of this letter which is presented here, together with a brief introduction.