Venetian mask
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Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition of Venice, Italy. The masks are typically worn during the Carnevale (Carnival of Venice), but have been used on many other occasions in the past, usually as a device for hiding the wearer's identity and social status. The mask would permit the wearer to act more freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with other members of the society outside the bounds of identity and everyday convention. It was thus useful for a variety of purposes, some of them illicit or criminal, others just personal, such as romantic encounters.
Venetian masks are characterised by their ornate design, featuring bright colors such as gold or silver and the use of complex decorations in the baroque style. Many designs of Venetian masks stem from Commedia dell'arte. They can be full-face masks (e.g. the bauta) or eye masks (e.g. the Columbina).
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[edit] History
Near the end of the Republic, the wearing of masks in daily life was severely restricted. By the 18th century, it was limited only to about three months from December 26. It was gradually shortened into the week-long festivities that now comprise the Carnival.
[edit] Types of Masks
[edit] The Bauta
Bauta is a "mask which covers the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding". The mask has a square jaw line often pointed and tilted upwards to enable the wearer to talk, eat and drink easily without having to remove the mask thereby preserving their anonymity.
[edit] Volto (Larva)
The larva, also called the volto mask, is mainly white, and typically Venetian. It is worn with a tricorn and cloak. It is thought the word "larva" comes from the Latin meaning "mask" or "ghost". It is easy to imagine the effect of a Venetian all dressed in black with a white mask and a black tricorn, going past in the moonlight. Like the bauta, the shape of the mask allowed the bearer to breathe and drink easily, and so there was no need to take it off, thus preserving anonymity. These masks were made of fine wax cloth and so were much lighter and were not irritating to wear making them ideal for eating, dancing and flirting.
[edit] Moretta
The moretta or 'Servetta Muta' is an oval mask of black velvet that was usually worn by women visiting convents. It was invented in France and rapidly became popular in Venice as it brought out the beauty of feminine features. The mask was held in place by the wearer biting on a button or bit and was finished off with a veil. Servetta Muta translates as 'mute maid servant'. This mask is no longer widely worn, and hasn't been since 1760.
[edit] Columbine
The Columbine also known as (Columbina and Columbino) is a half mask often highly decorated with gold, silver, crystals and feathers. It was held up to the face by a baton or tied with ribbon as with most other venetian masks. The columbine was popularised by an early actress in the Commedia dell'arte of the same name. It is said it was designed for her because she was beautiful and did not wish to have her face covered completely.
[edit] Medico Della Peste (The Plague Doctor)
The Medico Della Peste with its long beak is one of the most bizarre and recognisable of the venetian masks. The striking design has a macabre history originating from 16th century french physician Charles de Lorme who adopted the mask together with other peculiar sanitary precautions while treating plague victims. Traditionally the full face mask is white consisting of a hollow beak and round eye holes that covered with crystal discs creating a bespectacled effect.
Today, the masks are often more decorative. The doctors who followed de Lorme's example wore the usual black hat and long black cloak as well as the mask, white gloves and a stick (to move patients without having to come into physical contact). They hoped these precautions would prevent them contracting the disease. Those who wear the 'plague doctor' mask often wear the associated clothing. The popularity of the Medico della Peste among carnivale celebrants can be seen as a memento mori.
[edit] Popular culture
Venetian masks feature prominently in the film Eyes Wide Shut. In the film, the main character (played by Tom Cruise) infiltrates a masked ball where high ranking individuals engage in secret orgies and masonic rituals. The store that supplied the masks was Il Canovaccio in Venice, which has on display the original mask worn in the film by Tom Cruise.
