Rosalba Carriera
Venetian Rococo painter
Self-portrait holding a portrait of her sister
Medium: Pastel
Date: 1715 or 1709
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Rosalba_Carriera_Self-portrait.jpg
Rosalba Carriera was a Venetian Rococo painter who lived from 12 January 1673 to 15 April 1757. She used to focus on portraiture miniatures when she was younger. She was able to make a living as a visual artist as a result of this. Carriera is well known for her pastel paintings, which appeal to Rococo styles because of their smooth edges and beautiful surfaces. She is recognized for one of the most outstanding female artists of all time.
Carriera left Venice for Paris in 1721, since her paintings were in high demand. Carriera’s art influenced the court’s new aristocratic preferences, and by extension, the tastes of Parisians, during her short stay in the city. Art was no longer only for the benefit of the monarchs. The Rococo style was infused with her independence, colour, and charms.
Technique: Pastel
Physical Dimensions: H35.8 x W24 cm
Date: 1673 – 1757
Physical Dimensions: w280 x h340 cm
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/africa/xwFfAvazJkgUTQ?hl=en-GB
Date: 1725 – 1730
Technique: Oil on canvas
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/madonna/FgGkZ4YXiSlxFw?hl=en-GB
The use of pastel hues, spontaneous brush strokes, dancing lights, subtle surface tonalities, and a soft, elegant, and appealing approach to subject matter were all characteristics of the Rococo style. To portray the glittering texture of lace and satin, she was noted for dragging the sides of white chalk across an under-drawing of darker tones. She was also able to bring out the gentle cascades of powdered hair and emphasise facial features. For nearly a century, artists have been inspired by her to make work in this style.
Rosalba’s hands, in my opinion, had a very soft and gentle touch when it came to guiding the brush through the canvas. It’s quite stunning how she paints people and materials with all these detailing. The shadings are perfect in every way. Rosalba reminds me of the oil painting instructor I had in fifth grade; they were both quite strict about colour use and shadow accuracy.
Sources:
https://artsandculture.google.com/asset/madonna/FgGkZ4YXiSlxFw?hl=en-GB , https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rosalba_Carriera , https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Bemberg_Fondation_Toulouse_-_L%27été_-_Rosalba_Carriera_-_inv_1064.jpg ,
