Venetian Masks Andrew James Lawrence
Masks are the iconic symbol of the Venice carnival today, but their history is rich in meaning and tradition. The carnival itself is a thousand years old and has been documented in official records as early as 1094 and in 1296 the Senate of the Republic of Venice officially enshrined the carnival as a public festivity. In these earlier centuries, the carnival lasted weeks and featured music, dancing, and parties as well as a more raucous array of festivities than we are accustomed to now. Acrobats and jugglers were highlights among the attractions and very few people worked during the weeks preceding lent. Public shows and exhibitions were organized throughout the city and the theaters hosted many masked plays. In private, parties were held in houses and cafés and indulgent and raffish performances entertained Venetians of all class and creed.
Blank masks ready for painting
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