Venetian Masks

The Story of Venetian Masks

Image of three venetian masksThe 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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Venetian Mask La Maschera del Galeone Made in Venice Italy with Tag
Venetian Mask La Maschera del Galeone Made in Venice Italy with Tag
$34.00

Genuine Venetian Painted Paper Mache Masquerade Mask Giangurgolo Venice Italy
Genuine Venetian Painted Paper Mache Masquerade Mask Giangurgolo Venice Italy
$44.95

Hand Made Venetian Ceramic With Mask Paper Mache Venice Masquerade Italy 1994
Hand Made Venetian Ceramic With Mask Paper Mache Venice Masquerade Italy 1994
$49.00

Venetian Mask, NWT, Never worn, Purchased In Italy MINT❤️
Venetian Mask, NWT, Never worn, Purchased In Italy MINT❤️
$45.99

Vintage La Maschera del Galeone Venetian Mask Made in Venice Italy w/ Tag Blue
Vintage La Maschera del Galeone Venetian Mask Made in Venice Italy w/ Tag Blue
$35.00

VENETIAN MASK KRAMPUS DEVIL MARDI GRAS MADE IN ITALY L'ARLECCHINO PAPER MACHE
VENETIAN MASK KRAMPUS DEVIL MARDI GRAS MADE IN ITALY L'ARLECCHINO PAPER MACHE
$59.99

Mens Vintage Roman Greek Masquerade Mask Ball Mardi Gras Party Venetian Eye Mask
Mens Vintage Roman Greek Masquerade Mask Ball Mardi Gras Party Venetian Eye Mask
$35.33

Venetian Mask Prudentia Made In Venice, Italy!
Venetian Mask Prudentia Made In Venice, Italy!
$239.99


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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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Masquerade Mask for Women, Crystal Mask Rhinestone, Venetian Party, Evening Prom
Masquerade Mask for Women, Crystal Mask Rhinestone, Venetian Party, Evening Prom
$31.99

Venetian Crackle Skull Full Face Painted Black Gold Halloween Masquerade Mask
Venetian Crackle Skull Full Face Painted Black Gold Halloween Masquerade Mask
$34.99

Authentic Signed Hand Painted Venetian Mask Made in Venice Italy Gold Notes
Authentic Signed Hand Painted Venetian Mask Made in Venice Italy Gold Notes
$49.00

Black Red Medieval Jester Musical Joker Venetian Masquerade Mask with Gold Lip
Black Red Medieval Jester Musical Joker Venetian Masquerade Mask with Gold Lip
$39.00

Original Venetian Mask Made In Italy Venice Venetian Masquerade READ
Original Venetian Mask Made In Italy Venice Venetian Masquerade READ
$96.99

Gold Mardi Gras Luxury Large Jester Crackle Joker Venetian Masquerade Party Mask
Gold Mardi Gras Luxury Large Jester Crackle Joker Venetian Masquerade Party Mask
$59.00

Venetian Mask Red and Gold Signed Made In Venice, Italy
Venetian Mask Red and Gold Signed Made In Venice, Italy
$325.00

Venetian White Demon Mask w/ Gold Sharp Horns Venice Masquerade Ball Party Mask
Venetian White Demon Mask w/ Gold Sharp Horns Venice Masquerade Ball Party Mask
$39.99


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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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Ca Macana Authentic Venetian Carnival Mask Venice Italy Vtg
Ca Macana Authentic Venetian Carnival Mask Venice Italy Vtg
$35.00

Balocoloc Venetian Mask Wall Art
Balocoloc Venetian Mask Wall Art
$35.00

Venetian Mask made in Italy
Venetian Mask made in Italy
$60.00

VENETIAN Mask Vintage Paper Mache with Beading and Feathers BEAUTIFUL!
VENETIAN Mask Vintage Paper Mache with Beading and Feathers BEAUTIFUL!
$45.00

Hand Made Venetian Ceramic With Mask Paper Mache Venice Masquerade Italy 1994
Hand Made Venetian Ceramic With Mask Paper Mache Venice Masquerade Italy 1994
$49.00

2 Pier 1 Imports Hand Painted Masquerade Mask Made Italy Feathers Lace Signed
2 Pier 1 Imports Hand Painted Masquerade Mask Made Italy Feathers Lace Signed
$44.99

Venezia Hand Painted Made In Italy Carnival Masquerade Venetian Cat Mask
Venezia Hand Painted Made In Italy Carnival Masquerade Venetian Cat Mask
$55.00

Red Venetian Mardi gras carnival mask or Halloween. Original made in italy used.
Red Venetian Mardi gras carnival mask or Halloween. Original made in italy used.
$30.00


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