Its origins are centuries old, and it still attracts thousands of tourists each year who arrive in venice to admire the sumptuous costumes and masks parading in the streets and squares. Many designs of venetian masks stem from commedia dellarte. It started in 1168 as a celebration of victory of republic of venice against ulrico, patriarch of aquileia, and became annual event until it was banned by king of austria in 1797. The masks are popular because of their elegant and curious shape. Unlike the vast majority of their counterparts in contemporary european nations, each citizen in. The history and tradition of carnival in venice has on that account to be understood as in trinsically. Select from traditional venetian wall mask art used in commedia dellarte italian theater or some of our more elaborate masks. The pieta is renowned for its beautiful and innocent girls, who are presented to society through their music and artistic talents. Many attendees of the venice carnival wear these curved, beaklike masks each year. Authentic venetian masks, masquerade masks and hooded.
The base masks were embellished in a myriad of styles and designs to reveal an ethnic, regal persona. History of the venice carnival masks luxe adventure traveler. The venetian carnival mask history is lost in the labyrinth of time, in a charming story in which the real historical facts are blurred with a mix of tradition and folklore. Today, a few mask makers craft masks using leather, glass, and even ceramic. Made for centuries in venice, these distinctive masks were formed from papermache and wildly decorated with fur, fabric, gems, or feathers. Discover the history of venetian masquerade masks and masked balls and how they are back in vogue once more. After the fall of the venetian republic, mask making did go into a period of recession, but has enjoyed a renaissance since the 1970s and today when visiting venice, there are masks on every street corner and they are purchased by visitors from all around the world. Gatto means cat in italian is a traditional venetian carnival mask. Venetian mask society is home to some of italys finest venetian masks and masquerade masks imported straight from venice. Even though this book was published in 1993, it is a dynamic book for todays read. A recent reprint has been the venetian mask, set in the hectic days of the citystate in the late eighteenth century. Venetian masks feature prominently in the films eyes wide shut and marco bellocchios the witches sabbath.
But the masks were worn by the venetians from time of the great republic. Stores that supplied the masks include both ca macana and il canovaccio in venice. This item is strictly handcrafted in venice, italy by the famous artists of the city according to the carnival tradition. Vivid colors, great illustrations and imagination are all you need to relax. Shop for venetian mask art from the worlds greatest living artists. All venetian masks paintings ship within 48 hours and include a 30day moneyback guarantee. The most practical and trendy out of all mask designs were the half faced white or black masquerade masks to give a cloaked facade. Venice masks the deep bond of venetian carnival mask history with tradition, theater and entertainment. Like the bauta, the shape of the mask allowed the wearer to breathe, drink, and speak easily without having to remove the mask. The earliest accounts of venetian masks are laws stating what venetians could not do while wearing one. However, theyve staged a spectacular comeback since a group of former academy of fine arts students opened venices first modern mask shop in 1978.
Marietta, a young girl, has worked beside her mother all of her life, learning how to craft the extravagant masks so popular during carnival season. Wall mask art authentic venetian masks, masquerade masks. Purchasing venetian carnival masks coloring book 1. The terrifying plague doctor costume was a symbol of death and impending doom in 17th century europe. Venice history of venetian masks with pictures i n 1162 doge vitale michieli triumphed over ulrich ii of treven and an annual celebration to commemorate the occasion was commenced. The first law regulating the use of masks dates back to the century, but nobody knows when the venetians actually started wearing them as a part of every day life. Stephens day, december 26 and the end of the carnival season at midnight of shrove tuesday.
Venice carnival is a centuries old tradition and one of the worlds most famous carnivals. The history of masquerade masks venetian masks collections. It is thought the word larva comes from the latin meaning mask or ghost. The history of the venetian masks might also be founded on the nature of this maritime town and by the characters of its inhabitants. Volto larva the larva, also called the volto mask, is mainly white, and typically venetian. Masks that are traditionally used during venetian carnival can be divided in to two groups. Rosalind laker is like the battery bunny, she keeps on giving. Venetian masks have a long history of protecting their wearers identity during promiscuous or decadent activities. The venetian carnival is a prevalent festival dedicated to. Diamond skull a uthentic venetian mask in paper mache with a unique baroque style. All of her characters come to life in all of her books. With lavish decorations and colorful costumes, people fill the event with a vibrant energy that adds to its festivity.
There is less evidence explaining the motive for the earliest mask being worn in venice. Mask makers, venetian mask history and culture mascareri are nothing but mask makers, the craftspeople who have been producing masks in venices old town since 1436. Should you have the desire, these venetian masks can also be taken out of your glass case or off the wall and worn to obscure your identity while down on the french quarter or worn to a masquerade ball. Most of the venetian masks made using original papermache technique.
Some historians attribute the origin of masquerade celebrations to festivities surrounding the venetian republics conquest of lands in the eastern mediterranean, but there is little evidence to help us understand the. Johnson is professor of history at boston university and the author of the awardwinning book, listening in paris uc press. Feb 16, 2016 how venetian masks are made part 3 duration. She is able to mix fiction with history and have it. Mar 23, 2016 masks and masquerades are a part of venetian life from time immemorial. The cat rid the palace of all its mice and the man became rich. Near the end of the republic, the wearing of masks in daily life was severely restricted. Charity events also have used this theme time and again to help spread their message.
The short story the cask of amontillado, written by edgar allan poe, is set in venice during the carnival. Tracing the origins of the venetian masks, the earliest documents date back to a. The carnival of venice and its traditional masks the carnevale di venezia is one of the most famous carnivals around the world, and a charming characteristic of the city. All about the carnival of venice, with 114 colored illustration. History and description of commedia dellarte and its characters. Toodoo 12 pieces half mardi gras masquerade mask venetian masks set for carnival prom ball fancy dress party supplies. Its origins are centuries old, and it still attracts thousands of tourists each year who arrive in venice to admire the sumptuous costumes and masks parading in the streets. Venetian mask venetian masks are a centuriesold tradition of venice, italy. Masks and masquerades are a part of venetian life from time immemorial. Cats were so scarce in venice that they became the subject of one of the most typical masks. Carnevale di venezia is an annual festival held in venice, italy. Choose your favorite venetian mask designs and purchase them as wall art, home decor, phone cases, tote bags, and more. See more ideas about coloring books, color and books. I have now read 17 of her books including this last one the venetian mask.
Find books like the venetian mask from the worlds largest community of readers. However, the mask makers adhering most closely to authentic, traditional venetian carnival mask types work primarily in papiermache. The history of the venetian masks reveal important aspects of the eve. Some weddings have been based on the masquerade themed that included the use of venetian masks for women and men. Although devoid of naughty hidden messages, this coloring book is rich in patterns so intricate that they will command your attention. Goodreads members who liked the venetian mask also liked.
On the beginning the artisan maskmaker sculptures the plaster mold for the mask. The festival is worldfamous for its elaborate masks. For centuries, masks have been a part of venetian lore, culture and history. An introduction to masks in 16thcentury venice, italy. How venetian carnival masks are made laura morelli. Not a complicated story line but did have some enjoyable twists and turns toward the end of the book. All venetian mask artwork ships within 48 hours and includes a 30day moneyback guarantee. When and why they started wearing masks is a matter which is subjected to speculations. Venetian masks, masquerade masks and venetian cloaks. Commedia dell arte was a type of improvisational theatre that was popular form 16th to 18th century but is played even today. African culture used masks in rituals from the earliest days of human civilization. Venetian carnival mask history carnival in venice costumes.
Then mold is lubricated with vaseline, which prevents mask from stacking and filled with several layers of special absorbent paper, which is torn into the small pieces so it will be possible to press them into the mold. Affordable and search from millions of royalty free images, photos and vectors. A tradition dating back hundreds of years, historically, maskwearing encouraged an atmosphere of secrecy and enchantment in which rank, social status and profession could be momentarily forgotten. During carnival in venice, many revelers wear exotic masks. Basically people wore the masks primarily to hide their social standing than for hiding their own identity, that way allowing citizens of any status, from the average one to the noble man, to be kind of in incognito. Jun 06, 2016 the terrifying plague doctor costume was a symbol of death and impending doom in 17th century europe. In fact, masks are inextricably linked to the history of costume in venice. Eventually, venetian masks reemerged as the emblem of carnevale venetian carnival, a pageant and street fair celebrating hedonism.
The art of venetian masks for the carnival of venice. The real authentic venetian masks can be collectible pieces for generations. Or, a mask may keep someones face safe from harm like a gas mask so harmful gases do not get into the lungs. Stephens day, december 26 at the start of the carnival season and midnight of shrove tuesday. Masks have always been a central feature of the venetian carnival. As masks were also allowed on ascension and from october 5 to christmas, people could spend a large portion of the year in disguise. And larte dei mascareri has chosen this very name to underline its purpose. What we do know, however, is that this all ended with the fall of the venetian republic, at the end of the 18th century. The carnevale di venezia is one of the most famous carnivals around the world, and a charming characteristic of the city.
Early venetian mascareri used a variety of materials, from waxed cloth to canvas, velvet, lace, leather, and papiermache. Mostly, the masks used are semimasks which cover only the bottom half of the face, the mouth and nose. They were used for sacred purposes and for profane, sometimes in the same time. See more ideas about history, venetian and venetian masks. As venice grew in popularity as a tourist destination through the middle ages the city became known as a. The mask would permit the wearer to act more freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with other members of the. Color each mask the way you want to express your creativity. Trade and commerce flourished in venice giving each of its citizens its great benefits. This venetian mask coloring book is highly appealing to adults. By the 18th century, it was limited only to about three months from december 26. The costumes, events and parties over the 10 days leading up to fat tuesday make venice carnival one of the biggest events. The history of venetian masks the slow road travel blog. Masks have always been an important feature of the venetian carnival. There are many practical uses for masks in everyday life.
Legend has it that a man who owned nothing but his old cat came to venice from china. Creating masks is, indeed, an art in venice, a tradition dating back hundreds of years. Our best selling designer venetian masquerade masks to wear to any masquerade party. Packed with 40 coloring pages of artistic, detailed and gorgeous venetian masks. Jan 01, 1992 the venetian mask by rosalind laker is a dramatic and romantic novel about two orphaned girls, who reside in the famous ospedale della pieta. May 21, 20 the real authentic venetian masks can be collectible pieces for generations. The masks are typically worn during the carnival carnival of venice, but have been used on many other occasions in the past, usually as a device for hiding the wearers identity and social status. Venice carnival masks fall into several categories. This mask covers half the face and is open below the nose to allow the wearer to eat, drink, and talk without being revealed. They are made with the application of gesso, a white paint mixture, and gold leaf and are all handpainted using natural feathers and gems to decorate. A brief history no one knows exactly when, how, or why venetians began to wear masks in public.
Venetian masks have been worn in venice, italy, since antiquity. Nowadays, venetian masks are a much more elaborate affair. From the beginnings of the venetian republic to carnivale known as mardi gras by the rest of the world, to theatre and art, venetian masks have played a mystical, alluring and enchanting part in venetian history. Keep on file card number we do not keep any of your sensitive credit card information on. The season of carnival changes the whole world, wrote carlo goldoni, the 18thcentury venetian comic playwright. Since the beginning of the celebrations, carnival in venice costumesand in particular, masks. Venetians enjoyed a high standard of living from ancient times. We offer eye masks, as well as feather, luxury, stick, joker, full face, carnival, leather, and nose masks and colored hooded cloaks. Masquerade masks from past to present venetian masks. Buy products related to venetian mask products and see what customers say about venetian mask products on free delivery possible on eligible purchases. Indeed, masks have been worn in cultures throughout the world for thousands of years, but perhaps never with such fervent pageantry as in venice. Venetian mask history and culture salvaged by mask makers. Masks virtually disappearedalong with carnevalewhen napoleons troops brought an end to the venetian republic in 1797. History of venetian carnival masks every year, from february to march, carnival in venice is held.
Originally worn by a17thcentury french doctor, venetian doctors took to sporting the longnosed mask with a black cloak and other precautions like white gloves, which they hoped would spare them from disease. May 26, 2015 mask makers, venetian mask history and culture mascareri are nothing but mask makers, the craftspeople who have been producing masks in venices old town since 1436. Venetian carnival masks coloring book 1 by nick snels. Traditionally people were allowed to wear them between the festival of santo stefano st. The carnival ends with the christian celebration of lent, forty days before easter, on shrove tuesday martedi grasso or mardi gras, the day before ash wednesday. The history of the venetian masks stems from the nature of venice.
History of venetian masquerade masks masque boutique. Choose your favorite venetian masks paintings from millions of available designs. In 1162 doge vitale michieli triumphed over ulrich ii of treven and an annual celebration to commemorate the occasion was commenced. Jan 29, 2015 top 7 traditional venetian carnival masks and costumes carnevale is a truly grand celebration, especially in venice. These italian masquerade masks are purchased for masquerade balls, masquerade weddings, mardi gras masquerade balls, holloween masquerades and masquerade themed proms. The first documented usage of venetian masks in conjunction with the annual celebration was in 1268.
454 96 750 754 583 1022 970 909 107 496 1349 1218 838 1063 1589 1311 1177 1296 1579 389 648 765 1094 1221 850 850 622 1332 1364 1485 577 33 319 405 270 701 159 325 181 507