Even though Carnevale is long gone by this point, the pageantry and magic of that celebration linger year round.
Many do not know that masks, the original central feature of Venice’s Carnevale, were worn by Venetians in the past during other parts of the year as well. Their symbolism and use in Venice are a subject apart, fascinating but too vast to go into here!
Nowadays, tourists might outnumber the revelers, who pose willingly for photographers in their often outlandish costumes in and around St. Marco’s square, but the images still speak for themselves….
– Contributed by Patricia Glee Smith (see bio), accomplished artist and very involved archaeology aficionado based in Otricoli, Umbria. Click here to view her artwork.
Thank you so much for the daily look and reminder of why i love italy so much.
will be coming to venice next year. is there one particular area where these masks can be found? is there a special craftsman/woman who we should see to purchase one? mille grazie…….. susan
Beautifully creepy!
Not only are the masks beautiful but the costumes are FABULOUS as well! Thanks you for the pics.
TO GB & Staff
Love your photos! They come alive!
I look forward every morning to receiving the “Notebook” -it’s
the first thing I click on to start my day.
Thank you
Lenore
ps and special kudos to your staff for their commitment and
dedication to making this website a success.
Brava/Bravo
I purchased a mask back in 2003 in Venice at Laboratorio Artigiano Maschere Barbaria delle Tole, Castello 6657; 522-3110. small workshop of traditional Venetian mask making, is a bit difficult to find but worth the search.
The mask of Venice are beautiful. Having lived near there I truly enjoyed your site.
Thank you for feeding my Italian soul with lovely images of the places that make me happy. Venice,the masks and costumes were a real highlight.I Love ItalianNotebook. Keep them coming.
Pat Hanna
See my article of 16 July, 2008: Bottega Mondonovo.
http://www.italiannotebook.com/local-interest/bottega-mondonovo/
Guerrino Lovato is, in my opinion, the most interesting mask maker in Venice! Near the Accademia.
Gorgeous photos! Venice is indeed magical and one of my favorite Italian cities. Thanks for the post.
fantastic always longed to visit venice at carnival time and these photos only intensify the urge,,
Great site!
Love the masks.
Beautiful photo,lovely city. You have tempted the imagination. Will there be a future notebook to explain the other instances where the masks are used?
Beautiful, imaginative, spiritual and as always the uniqueness of Italy. Thank you, Pat for those beautiful masks. many years ago I wove a mask-headdress for carnevale in Rome.
I can hear the music of Mozart’s Don Giovanni in the choreography of Joseph Losey!