Famous Traditional Venetian Masks

 

Traditional Venetian mask found its official consecration in the theatres: with the 16th century theatre, and later with the most famous Venetian playwright Carlo Goldoni, some of the most popular characters of the Commedia dell'Arte, the Italian popular form of improvisational theater, also called "comedy of humors", became actual stereotypes, perfectly reflecting Venetian society.

Between the most traditional Venetian costumes and Masks we find the Bauta, a white mask covering almost the whole face, with a black cloak and a tricorn hat. This mask was very popular in Venice and was worn both by men and women because it guaranteed total anonymity as it allowed the wearer to eat and drink without having to remove the mask.

Between the most traditional Venetian costumes and masks we find the Bauta, a white mask covering almost the whole face, with a black cloak and a tricorn hat. This mask was very popular in Venice and was worn both by men and women because it guaranteed total anonymity as it allowed the wearer to eat and drink without having to remove the mask.

Another traditional mask was the moretta, an oval mask of black velvet with a veil that was usually worn by women visiting convents and was attached to the woman's face thanks to a button held between the teeth.

The Mattacino is one of other typical Venetian masks. He is a sort of clown, dressed in white or multi-colored, famous for firing "perfumed eggs" from slingshots to the people who was passing in the street.