Carriera, Rosalba – Female Head with ribbon and laurel leaves in her hair Hermitage ~ part 06

The pastel drawing presents a bust-length portrait of a young woman viewed in three-quarter profile. Her gaze is directed slightly upwards and towards the left, conveying a sense of quiet contemplation or perhaps gentle amusement. The artist has rendered her features with a delicate touch; the skin appears soft and luminous, achieved through subtle gradations of color and careful blending of pastels. A slight flush on her cheeks suggests vitality and youthfulness.
Her hair is styled in elaborate curls, characteristic of the period, and adorned with a ribbon and laurel leaves. The placement of these decorative elements isnt merely ornamental; the laurel, traditionally associated with victory and honor, subtly elevates the subject’s status or alludes to an inner virtue. The ribbon introduces a touch of playful elegance, softening the formality inherent in the portrait format.
The background is dark and indistinct, allowing the viewer’s attention to remain focused on the womans face and upper torso. This limited depth of field contributes to the intimacy of the portrayal. A glimpse of what appears to be a white garment or shawl around her shoulders adds texture and visual interest without distracting from the central figure.
The overall impression is one of refined beauty and understated grace. The artist seems less interested in conveying a specific narrative than in capturing a moment of quiet introspection, presenting an idealized image of feminine charm and intelligence. Theres a sense of restrained emotion; the smile is subtle, the expression thoughtful rather than overtly joyful. This restraint lends the portrait a certain dignity and timelessness.