Rosalba Carriera

Sale, London, Christie's, 1 April 1987, lot 27

Neil Jeffares, Dictionary of Pastellists before 1800, London 2006, pp. 112-113, reproduced p. 113

On a wooden old stretcher and the original blue paper still rapped around the stretcher. The back lined with a thin canvas. Overall in quite good condition. Some light creases at the top corners, not easily visable. Small losses of some pigments especially in the white. Sold in a 19th Century wooden carved frame.
In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective qualified opinion.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING CONDITION OF A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD "AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF SALE PRINTED IN THE CATALOGUE.

It has not been possible to identify the sitter in this handsome pastel, but the work is very typical of Rosalba's style.  The pose of the young man and the golden-brown silk mantle worn over his silvery waistcoat are very similar to her portrait of Count Nils Bielke, signed and dated: Peint à Venice par Mademoiselle Rosalba A^o 1729.¹  It is very plausible that Rosalba kept in her studio similar silk cloths to be used by her sitters.  She often portrayed them draped in an ample mantle, sometimes wearing turbans, and as suggested by Bernardina Sani: 'Rosalba sembra tener presente gli autoritratti di pittori soprattutto francesi, quali sono ben rappresentati nella collezione degli autoritratti degli Uffizi....' ²

1.  B. Sani, Rosalba Carriera, Turin 2007, p. 259, no. 281, reproduced fig. 281

2.  Ibid., p. 260, under no. 282