Of the many examples of fine silver documented as decorating the homes of the local aristocracy in Genoa, the Galleria Nazionale di Palazzo Spinola conserves the only large pieces still remaining in the city. They include a dish depicting The departure of Columbus from Palos by Matthias Meljin and the two vases by Gio Aelbosca, also depicting episodes from the life of Columbus.
Both men were established Flemish silversmiths active in Genoa in the early 17th century. In addition to the works of art, paintings and documents inherited from his father Agostino Pallavicino, Ansaldo Pallavicino, owner of the palace from , also introduced the Columbus silverware he commissioned to the residence.
Two of these portraits are related to the diplomatic roles he played during his lifetime: the first, in , as ambassador of the Republic to Pope Gregory XIV, the second as protector of the Bank of Saint George in Agostino commissioned Anthony van Dyck to paint both these likenesses, having observed his extraordinary ability as a portrait artist in the very year he arrived in Genoa.
Unfortunately, the first of these works, the only one of the Genoese portraits signed by the artist, is no longer found in the palace; it was sold in the 19th century and is now in the J.
Paul Getty Museum in Los Angeles. All working citizens were subject to taxation, and the fortune and prosperity achieved by this colony of Northern European artists is indicated by the tax rolls of , which record the payments made by each of them, divided into various business categories, including that of the aurifices. From the list of Latinized names, it is possible to identify Io.
