The Story of Venetian Masks
The masquerade mask of Venice is the cultural symbol of the city. Travelers now flood the piazzas and canals of Venice searching for the mystical culture that once filled the air. These expressive and decorative masks are part of an entire festival that holds strong historic ground. The story of Venetian Masks dates back to the 13th century and has recently revealed a revival of the tradition.
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 Agostino Dessi Signed Venetian Pierrot Mask Handrafted Papier Mache Florence $135.00 |
 Vintage Gianni Cavalier Venetian Mask Pantalone Gold Paper Mache Handmade Italy $225.00 |
 Authentic Venetian Plague Doctor Mask Hand Painted Italy Medico Della Peste Pink $59.99 |
 Venetian-Style Jester Masquerade Mask Featuring a Red and Black -Plaster $75.00 |
 T.CAVALCANTI Signed Handmade Unique Red Leather Venetian-Style Half Mask $120.00 |
 Vintage Italian Porcelain Venetian Masks (2) Blue Gold & Pink Decorative $75.00 |
 Feathered Black silver gold venetian mask made in venice italy $55.00 |
 Venetian White Demon Mask W Black Ram Horns Venice Masquerade Ball Party Mask $37.61 |
The medieval court life of Venice strongly embraced a series of processions and festivals. Masquerade balls were one of these celebrations that were originally intended for the upper classes. Over time, these masquerade balls entered the public realm and allowed members of the lower class to disguise themselves as well. The nobility also enjoyed the aspect of hiding their identities. This allowed them to participate in promiscuity, decadence and all sorts of activities that were against the rules. In turn, the lower classes were able to disguise themselves and be free from the social stigmas of the time.
Soon, this sort of behavior became unacceptable for the Catholic Church. The Church attempted to ban the processions and festivals on numerous accounts by implementing regulations and passing strict laws against certain behavior. However, the wealthy class of Venice had enough influential power to persuade the Church in accepting the celebrations. As a result, the days between Christmas and Ash Wednesday, or Shrove Tuesday, were dedicated to the festivals and the entire city of Venice was covered with people disguised in masks.
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Feathered Black silver gold venetian mask made in venice italy
$55.00
Black & Gold Venetian Masquerade Mask with Original Box | Ornate Feather-Inspire
$30.00
HANDMADE DAMA VENETIAN PAPIER-MACHE MASQUERADE MASK WALL ART DECOR
$159.00
A Pair Of Venetian Masquerade Mask Full Face Green Gold & White Needs Repair
$39.99
Venetian-Style Jester Masquerade Mask Featuring a Red and Black -Plaster
$75.00
Vintage Venetian Carnival Mask Wall Art Plaque 22cm Gold Blue Decor
$34.99
Venetian White Demon Mask W Black Ram Horns Venice Masquerade Ball Party Mask
$37.61
80 Pieces Masquerade Masks - Vintage Venetian Antique Masks for Men & Women
$67.99
Venetian Masks on eBay
The festival was also known as the Venetian Carnival and it had a great impact on the lives of people. A celebration of hedonism was at its best during this time and people acted with liberty as much as possible. Sooner or later, people began to wear masks on days outside of the months that were prescribed by the Church. The aristocracy took advantage of the inability to distinguish one person from the other. They continued to go against the moral and political standards of the time and participated in unlawful affairs. Being anonymous had its benefits and the celebrations and entertainment were difficult to oppose by the majority of people.
The masquerades were the most popular between the 15th and 16th century. Young venetians would gather and wear specific outfits and cover their faces with masks in order to perform in shows and entertain viewers during the Carnival of Venice. These performances were based on religious, political and marital stories. They were entertaining for the nobility and allowed a sense of relief from the oppressive powers of the Church for the general public.
The splendor and fun came to an end during the 18th century when the Venetian Republic began to decline. The tradition of masquerading and wearing masks dwindled as a result. Both the Austrian government and the fascist government of the early 20th century banned the Carnival. The modern era in the late 20th century witnessed a restoration of the excitement and whimsical nature of Venetian masks and masquerades. Now, tourists and Venetians alike can participate in Carnival and become part of the lively culture that surrounds the historic and traditional symbolism of the Venetian Mask.
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 Gold Venetian Eye Mask Masquerade Ball Mask Handmade $175.00 |
 Venetian Jester Mask With Bells Very Nice $35.00 |
 Decorative Venetian Mask Bautino - Aged $94.99 |
 Design Toscano Venetian Mask Court Jester Bell Decor Masquerade Mardi Gras Black $45.00 |
 Design Toscano Venetian Mask Gold Wood Pole Masquerade Mardi Gras Halloween $45.00 |
 Design Toscano Venetian Mask Red Hand Held Wood Pole Decor Masquerade Mardi Gras $45.00 |
 venetian mask italy $45.00 |
 Vintage Plague Doctor Mask Long Nose Venetian Style Halloween Costume Decor Rare $39.00 |