Mask maker shop

Giovanni Grevembroch: "Sembianza Trasformata"
watercolor (18th century)

CARNIVAL MASKS IN VENICE

Some of the masks we see walking around in Venice streets are the typical, more famous masks that lived through centuries in the fantasy and tradition of the Carnival of Venice. Other masks did not become so famous, or weren't used for impersonations by the Commedia dell'Arte, but still are fascinating and alive in the art and memories.

Browsing through them is like walking in the narrow streets of a foggy Venice of the 16th century. Everybody disguised, people laughing, chatting, a glass of wine here, a dance there. Carnival in Venice, this is what it was.

And in modern times also the same disguised people will welcome you as you pass by the Rialto Bridge, or by Campo Santa Margherita.

Only that nowadays all of you almost surely carry a camera and can take the memories home with little expenses ...