Bauta Masks – The one that covers the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding was Bauta. It was often worn with a basket under the arm, which usually contained a little kitten. These masks can be broadly classified in to two types - Commedia dell'arte masks and the Carnival masks. Far from the crowds and the usual archaeological sights and main cities, Sicily still reserves any number of hidden treasures. In this article, I will give a brief background of the history of venetian masquerade masks, and a quick overview of the different types of venetian masks … The first slow traveler’s guide to Italy and the Italian way of life. It usually has a simple design and not as lavish as other carnival masks. It was, for example, forbidden to wear masks outside the carnival time (and other well-defined, specific times) or in sacred places, such as churches. Originally, the Medico della peste was not a carnival mask, but an outfit invented by the French physician Charles de Lorme, and worn as a protection against the plague. It was usually worn by men who want to disguise themselves as women. See more ideas about Venetian mask, Mask, Masks masquerade. Unfortunately, because of its restrictive design, its wearer cannot eat or drink anything without taking it off. One of the more popular traditional masks of the Venetian carnival, the Bauta features a white mask made of fine white cloth. It was invented by French phycisian Charles de Lorme as a way to protect against the plague. One theory suggests that it is derived from San Pantaleone one of the Saints of Venice who has a church dedicated to his memory in the sestiere Dorsoduro. Types of Masks Jolly: A stunning, full-faced Venetian masquerade mask with points made of highly decorative document paper. Pingback:Top 10 most popular articles of 2013. TYpes of masks. Photographs used on this website by permission or license remain the property of their respective owners. It is usually worn with a black tricorn hat, a veil and a mantle that is worn over the shoulders to complete the costume. Walking around Venice nowadays, you’ll see many types of masks, ranging from the simple to extraordinarily decorative art pieces. There are many different types of masquerade masks out there, and many people, even ones who have attended a masquerade ball, are still in the dark about the true origins of masquerade masks and venetian masks. Those are just but a few masks, there are more such as Brighella, La Raffiana, Scaramuccia, and Arlecchino. The name Bauta actually refers to the entire costume and not just the mask. Below are a few examples of the different styles worn at the Venetian Carnival. Venetian Mask • What are the different types of Venetian masks?Laura S. Harris (2020, December 23.) The Arlecchino mask: a motley history Born in the poor district of Bergamo, the history of this mask is surrounded by mystery... A well-grounded hypothesys claims … In our days this is probably the most popular and most beautiful mask type used during the Venetian Carnival. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Masks have always been an essential component of the Venetian carnival. Encyclopedia of Plague and Pestilence by George C. Kohn (ed. Carnevale is a truly grand celebration, especially in Venice. Pantalone is one of the most ancient Venetian masks. Twice daily during the Carnival of Venice a Best Masked Costume Contest takes place on Piazza San Marco. Venice Carnival masks fall into several categories: Commedia dell'Arte masks are based on traditional characters like Harlequin and Pierrot. Competitors parade on stage, challenging each other with their masks, costumes, feathers, wigs and caps. 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Usually seen as a heavily decorated half mask worn by women, it takes its origins from the Commedia dell’arte and is considered the female version of the Bauta. It is derived from one of the characters in the Italian theater Commedia dell’arte, who is usually depicted as an old man with a witty and intelligent personality. Manufactured in Venice by the … 3 Types of Masks Historically one of the most commonly worn masks during Carnival was the bauta mask, a mask that only covers half the face and was sometimes accompanied by a tri-cornered hat … Typical Venetian Carnival Masks The traditional Gnaga outfit includes female clothing and a mask portraying a female cat. This mask takes its origins from outside of the Venetian carnival setting. Yes! They mainly fall into two categories: A more plausible theory is that the mask’s name derives from pianta-leone (plant-the-lion), referring to the Venetian habit to ‘plant’ their flag (bearing a winged lion as the traditional symbol of Venice) everywhere they set foot. Ancient Umbria is the territory once inhabited by the Umbri, the people who had settled east of the Tiber river in pre-Roman times. She's a respected expert on making dream Italy vacations a reality for clients. Concerning different types of all Venetian masks, it is important to highlight two main groups: commedia dell’arte masks and carnival ones. They are probably the most famous masks in the world, but not everyone knows that the origin of Venetian masks … Venetian masks are of three types: “maschere di Carnevale,” to be worn out and around, “maschere decorative,” made to be used as a decoration at … The person wearing the costume would usually behave like a plebeian courtesan, uttering acute sounds and mocking meows. There are a few typically Venetian masks. The bauta was one of the most popular costumes of the Old Carnival, especially in the eighteenth century, and remained in vogue well into the modern Carnival. Bauta. The word bauta refers not just to a mask, but to the entire outfit, worn indifferently by men … To contact us please use our contact form. As is the case with all laws, we can only assume that they existed beca… Bauta: Basic, full-face masks with a pointed chin and no mouth. Its particular shape still allows the wearer to eat or drink without having to remove the mask. It has an unusual history tied to this mask. As such, it came with ordinary women’s clothing and a small basket under the arm, usually containing a kitten. Today, costumes worn at the Carnival vary to a certain degree from the original characters and often combine various elements of different origin. A man could not dress himself as a woman, and prostitutes were not allowed to wear masks in public. It usually has a large headpiece that may have bells attached, with the mask’s features having a short nose and arched brows for a more comical effect. … Unauthorized use and/or duplication of any part of the site’s contents without written and express permission from the owner is prohibited. … It has a square-ish design that gives it a wide chin and normally lacks a mouth. Here are at least ten reasons why the bubbling and inspiring city of Turin should definitely be on your Italy bucket list. The main types of Venetian masks are the bauta, moretta, gnaga, medico della pesta, pantalone, arlechino, colombina (see further). The most severe one, in 1630–31, recorded casualties of 46,000 people out of a population of 140,000. The Commedia Dell’Arte Masks represent theater and represent characters, … on Sacra di San Michele: a Mysterious Monastery high up in the Mountains, Carnival of Venice: history and meaning of the different types of Venetian masks. It can be adorned with a variety of jewelry, feathers and other fabrics, which gives it a very ornate look. Venetian Carnival Masks. With a nod to the romantic masks of the lavish, centuries-old Venetian … May 1, 2020 - All types of Venetians masks from around the world. The Medico della peste costume consisted of an ankle length black overcoat and/or gown made from heavy fabric and usually waxed, protective gloves and a bird-like mask with a long beak. Jan Miel, Commedia dell’arte Troupe on a … The mask is coupled with an ankle length overcoat made of black fabric, as well as waxed, protective gloves. A very severe punishment was inflicted on any person violating these rules. Its particular shape still allows the wearer to eat or drink without having to remove the mask. Carnival started as a time for celebration where all social classes would mingle, and the fact of wearing a mask offered a unique possibility to remain anonymous, enjoying the advantages that such condition brought with it. Also called Larva (meaning ghost in Latin) is an iconic Venetian Carnival mask. We had a great time, a little rain, but all in all, it was amazing. Types of Venetian Masks. Today they are often made of hand-painted gesso or papier-mâché and decorated with feathers and gems. If we get the opportunity to go again, I will... Shana Estabrooks (Sharpsburg, GA)Customized Vacation, April 2012. Italy is awesome! This design was inspired by 16th century Venetian doctors who believed that adopting this look protected them from disease and plague that was prevalent during this time. This mask covers the cheeks, eyes and sometimes the nose of whomever wears it. Nowadays, Venetian masks are a much more elaborate affair. This newest wall mask by famed Italian artist Veronese offers up magnificent style and artistry in a scaled ornamental jester wall mask. The masks used back during the Carnival of Venice came in all types, many richly decorated with feathers and bright colors. His full title is Pantalone de’Bisognosi, also known as Il Magnifico, or Babilonio. Phantom of The Opera (Eye Mask) Phantom of The Opera (Eye Mask) authentic venetian mask in papier mache handcrafted according to the original Venice carnival tradition. L-R: Colombina Musica, Colombina Stella Silver White, Colombina Mezza Sky BlueLooks like: It’s a half-mask that is often heavily decorated. Italian Venetian Masks / Photo by Julius Venetian masks are often classified under two different categories. Located at 10 km of Turin, the Basilica of Superga, site of a regal vow and of a terrible tragedy, is one of these sites where history and story meet. It has a very distinct look consisting of a mask with a long and hollow beak-like nose with round eyes. Your email is never shared. Chowhound Italy Board: Where the Serious Foodies Hangout, The Tipping Point to Booking An Italy Tour. The mask is the main focus of the picture.The mask has pink, purple and red feathers, a golden mask, … Required fields are marked *. Priscila Siano is the Marketing Director of Tour Italy Now, an online tour operator specializing in Italy travel. Read more. One theory was that the disease was spread by birds, and so the costume may have had some kind of spiritual meaning. Columbine Masks – The half mask highly decorated with gold, silver, crystals and feathers, held up to the face by a baton or tied with ribbon as with most other Venetian masks was Columbine. What are the different types of Venetian masks? It is typically worn with a three-cornered hat and a cloak, which adds to its mysterious aura. Photo credits (top to bottom): lion © Luciano De Faveri; peacock feature costume © Lovrencg; cappuccino costume © mandymin; orange feathers costume by Paolo Vercesi; bird © edouarrr ; bauta © missiaja; plague doctor by JanvanSchijndel; Pantalone church by Divot; Gnaga © neirfy; Arlecchino © Lovrencg. Venetian Mask Characters Different Types and their Origin Commedia Dell'Arte is a popular form of improvisational theatre, which began in Italy during the 15th century, maintaining its popularity through … They are made with the application of gesso, a white paint mixture, and gold leaf and are all hand-painted using natural feathers and gems to decorate. The distinctive mask was generally white with two round eyes-holes covered with glass. Join our large community of over +75,000 followers on Facebook, Twitter, Stumbleupon, Linkedin, Google+ and Instagram: Slow Italy® is the first slow traveler’s guide to Italy and the Italian way of life. A law of 1268 forbade masked people from playing certain games. The five picturesque villages, known as the Cinque Terre, count among the most scenic and colorful villages of Italy. By the founder of YourguidetoItaly.com, who has been promoting a slow and deeper way of traveling in Italy since 2005. Some historians believe that the impact of the Italian plague on life and commerce was such that it ultimately resulted in the downfall of the Republic of Venice. Venetian Red Carnival Mask, Venice, Italy A DSLR photo of a Red Venetian Carnival mask in Venice, Italy. Top 10 Italian towns where to celebrate carnival, Venetian bridges with the most unusual names, Squero San Trovaso: where Venetian gondolas are born. Its name derives from the word moro which means ‘black’ in Venetian. © Slow Italy, 2005-2021. One of the most iconic symbols of the Venetian carnival is the mask. Another mask tied to Commedia dell’arte, the character of Arlecchino is known as the servant of Pantalone and the lover of Colombina. Our Complete Guide to Italian craft beers, Nardò, the big-hearted, sleeping beauty (Salento, Puglia), Italia Sparita – A Story about Little Things and Big Emotions, How Slow is Slow ? It is commonly seen even in modern times and has many variations in terms of decorations and style. In a society where social classes were very well defined and not intended to interact with each other, wearing a mask allowed to hide any form of identification based on origin, age, gender or religion. 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