Venetian Harlequin Carnival Mask - Watercolor Painting by Andreea Eva Herczegh

A vibrant watercolor painting of a carnival mask from Venice.
The purpose of wearing a traditional Venetian mask was to hide one's identity; as a result, the Venetian Carnival eventually became a popular time to wear one.
The two categories of masks are Commedia dell'Arte masks and Carnival masks.

Venetian masks, which were first attested in literature in the 13th century, are associated with the Venetian Carnival, which some historians claim was first observed in 1168.
By the time mask-making was accepted as a legitimate profession in Venice in the year 1436, mask-makers (mascareri) had organized themselves through the Guild of Decorators.

Only nobility were permitted to participate in politics and public life under the Republic of Venice, which resulted in a highly stratified society in Venice.
The carnival, however, loosened the rules and allowed commoners and nobility to mingle thanks to the usage of masks.

When Mussolini outlawed it in 1930, it appeared that both the Carnival and Venetian masks had a place in Venice's past.
Venetian business managers quickly realized Carnival could serve as a very lucrative supplementary tourist season after a small group of organizers banded together in 1979 to bring Carnival back to Venice.
Masks play a vital role in many of the highlights of modern carnival, including the Water Parade, Festa delle Marie, and the Flight of the Angel.

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