Newly discovered portrait by Venetian artist on display at Tatton Park

A newly discovered pastel portrait by renowned Venetian artist Rosalba Carriera is on show in the mansion’s yellow drawing room.

Recent research by Xavier Salomon, deputy director and chief curator of the Frick Collection in New York has confirmed that the Portrait of a Tyrolese Lady was created by the famous artist.

Rosalba was born in Venice at a time when being an artist was frowned upon and difficult for women.

Yet she became one of the most popular and sought after artists.

From her beginnings as a painter of scenes for snuff box lids, she moved on to portrait miniatures and then became integral in popularising the use of pastels.

The delicate pastel work has had some painstaking conservation work before going on display (Image: Supplied)

She was an initiator of the Rococo style and is remembered as one of the most successful women artists of any era.

Her talent meant she was in demand in the Royal Courts and by the Grand Tour tourists flocking to Venice.

Her works were sometimes considered risqué due to the delicate lace coverings, depicted on the subjects clothing only just saving their modesty.

Many of her works were exported via Joseph Smith, the renowned art trader and collector, who became ambassador to Venice, promotor of Canaletto and who Samuel Egerton (of Tatton) served as an apprentice from 1729 to 1734.

Rosalba sent exported works with hidden ‘santini’ - printed prayers or blessings for a safe passage, tucked into the back of the frames.

Hidden 'santini', prayers were discovered in situ at the back of the Tatton painting (Image: Supplied)

Over time these fragile bits of paper often became lost or separated from her works.

The discovery of one still in situ at Tatton was an exciting find for teams at Tatton Park.

Works in pastel are very delicate and this one is no exception.

It required some conservation work to stabilise the surface and a refit into its frame, as well as the frame itself needing some attention.

Visitors can see the painting now before the mansion closes for winter conservation from October 29.

National Trust members can enjoy free Mansion entry with a valid membership.