“Portrait of a Lady with a Monkey,” created by Rosalba Carriera around the year 1721, is a pastel artwork classified within the Rococo art movement. This portrait genre piece is housed in the Louvre, Paris, France.
The artwork portrays an elegantly dressed woman, adorned with a floral headpiece, exhibiting the delicate nature and intricate details typical of Rococo art. The lady’s expression is serene and poised, exuding a sense of grace and refinement. Cradled in her arms is a small monkey, which adds an intriguing and whimsical element to the portrait. The use of pastel gives the artwork a soft texture and rich coloration, highlighting Carriera’s skill in capturing fine details and subtle nuances in both the human figure and the animal. The background is subdued, allowing the subjects to stand out prominently, and the overall composition reflects a harmonious balance between the depicted figures and the surrounding space.
