Rosalba Carriera's Man in Pilgrim's Costume

Rosalba Carriera was an Italian miniaturist painter who lived in Venice and became internationally acclaimed. This pastel, painted around 1730, is in pristine condition and is part of a series of works by female artists at the Frick. The man depicted is a pilgrim or someone who traveled on a pilgrimage, and his attire is likely related to the Venetian Carnival.

Format: Hardback
Length: 80 pages
Publication date: 15 October 2023
Publisher: D Giles Ltd

This exquisite pastel, one of a select few created by a female artist in the collection of the Frick, bears the signature of Rosalba Carriera, an Italian artist who lived from 1673 to 1757. Rosalba spent the majority of her life in the vibrant city of Venice, which was a favored destination for young aristocrats from across Europe embarking on the Grand Tour. This tour, considered an educational rite of passage into adulthood, allowed these travelers to explore the continent and broaden their horizons. Many of these visitors sought the services of Rosalba, a talented miniaturist painter who began her career in Venice, to have their portraits painted. Over time, Rosalba's exceptional skills and artistic vision gained her international acclaim, and her pastels became highly sought-after.

Rosalba's pastels are remarkable for their technical innovation and the exquisite effects they achieved. By binding colored chalk into sticks, she expanded the range of prepared colors available to her, thereby enhancing the visual possibilities of this medium. This particular portrait, painted around 1730, is in pristine condition, despite the fragility of the pastel medium. The portrayal of the man depicted in the portrait suggests that he may have been a member of the Pellegrini family, as the word "Pellegrini" in Italian translates to "pilgrim." Alternatively, his attire could be associated with the Venetian Carnival, a festive celebration that took place. place annually.

Designed to foster critical engagement and interest among both specialist and non-specialist audiences, the Frick Diptych series presents a unique perspective on individual works in the Frick's extensive collection. Each book in the series features an essay by a Frick curator, complemented by a contribution from a contemporary artist or writer. The series aims to highlight the rich cultural and artistic heritage of the Frick while encouraging a deeper understanding and appreciation of the featured works.

Nicolas Party, the author of the essay for this pastel, is a figurative painter who has garnered critical acclaim for his captivating and thought-provoking landscapes, portraits, and still lifes. His works often challenge conventional notions of representational painting while celebrating the human form and the natural world. Party's artistic approach combines a sense of familiarity with a subtle sense of unease, creating a visually arresting and emotionally resonant body of work.

In conclusion, this pastel, created by the talented Rosalba Carriera, is a testament to the artistic achievements of women artists during the Baroque period. Rosalba's innovative techniques and her ability to capture the essence of her subjects have made her pastels highly sought-after and celebrated. The Frick Diptych series, which features essays by curators and contributions from contemporary artists, provides a valuable platform for exploring and appreciating the rich cultural heritage of the Frick. Nicolas Party's essay adds a contemporary perspective to the appreciation of this exquisite pastel, highlighting the enduring power of artistic expression.

Weight: 526g
Dimension: 243 x 196 x 14 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781913875510