The wearing of a mask put everyone on the same level: rich and poor, nobleman and citizen, beautiful and ordinary, old and young. It permitted confidences to be exchanged anonymously — everything from accusations before State Inquisitors, to a potpourri of sexual indiscretions.
Prostitutes practiced their trade without fear of retribution; homosexuals hid their illicit lifestyle. In 1458, it was decreed that men were forbidden to dress up as women and enter convents to commit indecent acts.
The Most Famous Venetian Masks
The most important Venetian mask the Bauta (here on the right) was worn by both men and women, and was not considered a costume but a form of dress — required wearing if a woman wanted to go to the theater. Also the famous mask “the Black Death Doctor” had a long beak-like nose stuffed with disinfectants, and, as its name implies, was used to protect doctors from the plague.
In the 18th century, the renowned Venetian playwright, Carlo Goldoni, brought theatrical masks to the forefront. Pantalone, Harlequin, Colombina, and Pulcinella were among the many masks that found their way into the Carnival; nowadays they really are the most common Venetian Mask that you can see on the main stage of St Mark’s Square.
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