A delicate pastel portrait by Rosalba Carriera, depicting Felicita Sartori in an exotic costume and holding a Venetian mask.

Rosalba Carriera was a central figure in the development of pastel as a serious medium for portraiture during the eighteenth century. This work depicts Felicita Sartori, a pupil of the artist, dressed in a costume that reflects the period's fascination with exoticism and the 'turquerie' style. The sitter is shown holding a black mask, a common accessory in Venetian society, which suggests an association with the carnival or a masquerade.

Carriera’s technique is characterised by a soft, delicate application of pigment. She avoids harsh outlines, preferring to build form through subtle gradations of tone. The blue floral robe worn by the sitter is rendered with a lightness that contrasts with the dark, atmospheric background. Her ability to capture the texture of fabrics, from the sheen of the satin bodice to the intricate weave of the outer garment, demonstrates her technical mastery. The face is modelled with gentle highlights, conveying a sense of quiet introspection.

During her career, Carriera travelled extensively, working in Paris and Vienna, where her portraits were sought after by the European aristocracy. Her influence helped establish the pastel portrait as a standard format for the elite. This specific portrait is representative of her mature style, where the focus remains on the psychological presence of the subject rather than elaborate staging. The composition is intimate, drawing the viewer into a direct engagement with the sitter. By choosing to portray her student in this theatrical attire, Carriera engages with the performative nature of eighteenth-century identity. The work remains a fine example of the Venetian Rococo, capturing the elegance and artifice that defined the era.