The history of Maschera (the mask) began in the 11th century, and the wearing of masks was well established by 1436, when mask makers or mascareri were officially recognized with their own guild.
The practice of wearing masks for disguise reached its height in the 18th century when Venetians of different social classed used masks as an excuse to mingle and, in some cases, to trade sexual favors without fear of recognition or retribution. (With a mask), a silk hood, a tabarro cape and a tricorn hat, a housewife in search of “hanky panky” was indistinguishable from a nobleman on the prowl.
Additionally, the masks served an important social purpose of keeping every citizen on equal playing field. Masked servants could be mistaken for a nobleman - state inquisitors and spies could question citizens without fear of their true identity being discovered, and citizens could answer without fear of retribution.
As a result, people naturally found themselves taking advantage of the situation. Sexual promiscuity was commonplace for all citizens including nuns and monks of the clergy.
By the fall of the republic, masks were banned and limited only to certain months of the year, this period extended for over three months from December 26th, and eventually shortened to week long festivities that now comprise Carnevale, elsewhere known as Mardi Gras.
Venice Carnival masks fall into several categories:
Commedia dell’Arte masks are based on traditional characters like Harlequin & Pierrot.
Fantasy masks are figments of the mask makers imagination, although they may be inspired by historical designs.
Traditional Venetian masks such as the White Volto Half-Mask with nose cover and its variant, the “plague doctor’s” mask with is phallic beak. (According to tradition, the beak was intended to protect the wearer from being infected by the plague).
All mask designs come from my own “very vivid at times” imagination, and are hand crafted, authentically with paper mache’, plasters, sculpting paints and gold leaf. Prices vary according to design and technique.
Thank you for your interest in our masks, for further information, or comments email me at
MascheraArt@aol.com
Moi Versace
