One of the many fine portraits painted by the Italian artist Rosalba Carriera (1673-1757). This portrait painted in pastels is of Cardinal Melchior de Polignac (1661-1742) around 1732. Prior to becoming a cardinal, he was a French diplomat assigned to Poland. The Polish king and his son were regular patrons of Carriera and most likely this portrait has some connection to the relationship.
To learn more about this famous Italian portrait artist and view additional examples of her work, please visit our biography of Rosalba Carriera.