| Carriera was born in Venice, which remained her favorite city despite her occasionl journeys elsewhere. She is of particular art historical importance because she popularized the pastel portrait. Pastels were first used for making copies of oil painntings but by the late 1600's artists began to enjoy the speed and the variety of effects available from thieir use. Pastels were the ideal medium for the Rococo-style portraits that she created for her distinguished patrons. Carriera was primarily known for her ability to flatter sitters while retaining a sense of their individuality.
She spent the last decade of her life totally blind.