Winter by Rosalba Carriera (1675-1757)

Reflecting the refined taste of her times, Carriera’s work was in vogue among wealthy Grand Tourists visiting Venice from Germany, France and England. Her work also became increasingly popular with the nobility across Europe. In her pastels she skilfully portrayed the social status of her sitters, accurately describing their elegant jewels and costume. She also created imaginative allegorical personifications of Diana, Flora, the elements and the seasons.

Carriera often chose blue paper as a support, not only because it was the thickest paper available in the eighteenth century, but also because of the chromatic vibrancy it offered as a background for pastel pigments. Her pastels were notable for their radiant colours and lustrous tones. Such qualities are clearly visible in this allegorical personification of winter, dressed in rich velvet and fur. A pearl brooch is attached to her lace undercap. Usually Winter was depicted as a male figure, based on antique precedent, however Carriera ingeniously reimagined the season as a beautiful woman. Here, Winter warms her hands by a small fire.

This is part of a set depicting the four seasons which once hung in Russborough House. It formed part of the Milltown Gift, given to the Gallery by Geraldine, 
Countess of Milltown in memory of her husband, the last Earl. 

See it on display in our exhibition Pastel Revealed