Cardinal Melchior de Polignac 1732

Rosalba Carriera captured Cardinal Melchior de Polignac in pastel, a medium well-suited to the Rococo era's fondness for softness and light. Consider the context: Carriera, a woman artist in 18th-century Venice, navigated a world dominated by male artists, achieving international fame through her talent and shrewd understanding of the art market. The Cardinal, a high-ranking French diplomat and religious figure, was one of many influential Europeans who sat for her. This portrait is not just a likeness; it's a study in power and representation. The Cardinal’s gaze, his elaborate robes, and the symbols of his office all speak to his status. But Carriera's delicate touch humanizes him, offering a glimpse beyond the vestments. How does Carriera negotiate her own identity as a woman artist within the expectations of her time, while capturing the essence of a man of power?