CARRIERA, Rosalba
(b. 1675, Venezia, d. 1757, Venezia)

Portrait of a Young Girl

after 1708
Pastel on paper, 36 x 30 cm
Musée du Louvre, Paris

The best works of Carriera were created when the gentle appeal and flattering softness of pastel complemented the personality of the sitter. This is certainly true in this portrait of a young girl. The mother-of-pearl flesh tone has been rendered in classic pastel hues of blue, pink and pale grey, and the lack of depth in colority is perfectly suited to capturing this almost childlike face.