The Portrait of Gustavus Hamilton (1710–1746), Second Viscount Boyne, in Masquerade Costume is a pastel painting by the Venetian painter Rosalba Carriera, dating back to the period of 1730-1731. In the painting, Gustavus Hamilton appears in the characteristic dress for the masquerade costume of Venice. He is wearing a hat and a mask of white colour, along with a veil and a cape called bautta.
In this painting, Gustavus Hamilton is seen against a plain background. As such, the focus is primarily on the face, dress, and accessories of the person. Pastel colours have been used by Carriera and light has been subtly transitioned in order to get a delicate effect. Pastel is the perfect medium for creating soft effects in skin, clothes and hair, while retaining freshness and luminosity.
The mask that the sitter wears is an aspect of mystery since it conceals much of his identity from us. On the other hand, the elaborate and costly clothing he wears indicates his social status as well as his exposure to fashionable life in Venice. Therefore, the portrait depicts not only the individual but also the appeal of Venice to the international world of art and pleasure.
In my view, the painting is an elegant and mysterious composition which reflects theatrical elements. Through her skillful use of pastel, Carriera manages to portray the sitter in a realistic yet dreamlike manner. In addition, this is how the painting helps understand how Carriera gained fame as an excellent pastel portrait artist in Europe of the eighteenth century.
This painting feels mysterious and elegant. The mask hides his face but his calm eyes and bright blue coat still pull me in. It feels like a quiet moment at a party that never ended. He looks important yet still like a stranger.
