Les Delices de l’Italie. Vol. I
Creator
Date
1706
Identifier
de Beer Lb 1706 R
Publisher
[Leiden]: Pierre Vander Aa
Abstract
Mask-makers (mascherari) must have a field day when carnival time arrives in Venice. After all, there are numerous styles to choose from: the bauta (with an over-prominent nose); the Columbina (a half-mask); the Medico della peste (originally used to prevent the spread of disease); the moretta (a black velvet oval mask for women only); the volto (Italian for face; or larva, meaning ghost in Latin); the Pantalone; and the Zanni (half mask with a reverse curve towards the end). The carnival has had a long and colourful history: established in the 12th century; outlawed in 1797; and rejuvenated in modern times as an event celebrating the history and culture of Venice. Some of the types of masks are clearly visible in this 1706 engraving.
Files
Citation
Alexandre de Rogissart, “Les Delices de l’Italie. Vol. I,” ourheritage.ac.nz | OUR Heritage, accessed November 15, 2024, https://otago.ourheritage.ac.nz/index.php/items/show/8592.