Venice's Carnival has been a masked marvel since the 11th Century, with early Venetian masks keeping it simple and purposeful. Original techniques use papier-mâché with the application of gesso and often gold leaf. Venetian Mask Makers were often assisted by painters who drew faces onto plaster in a range of different shapes. Venetian masks could also be made of leather, porcelain, or using the original glass technique. Venetian masks are hand-painted using natural feathers and gems for decoration. Papier-mâché was used as it is light, cost-effective, readily available, and comfortable for the mask-wearer.

Wearing masks for disguise reached its peak around the 18th Century, when Venetians of different social classes used Carnival as an excuse to mingle without fear of recognition or retribution. The whole concept of Masquerade Party and donning the Venetian Mask was to bring to life a persona you wish to live out, even if it is only for a night.

The color of one’s Venetian mask might also be indicative of one’s mood, personality, intentions, or evening persona. Black suggest mystery, power and elegance. Gold suggests luxury, wealth and success while silver gives glamour, innovation and modern style. If you want to appear passionate, confident and energetic, wear red in your Venetian mask while white symbolizes purity, simplicity, and truth. Blue gives and ere of calm loyalty while purple symbolizes royalty, creativity and mystery. Those wishing for romance, charm, playfulness, growth, luck, and vitality should include pink and green in their Venetian mask.

Venetian Carnival masks come in a smorgasbord of styles: Colombina, Bauta, Volto, Moretta, Medico della Peste, Pantalone & Jester. Some mimic commedia dell'arte characters, others play the fool, and some feature delightfully exaggerated features like the Plague Doctor's iconic nose. Whatever your fancy, we hope you'll find the perfect Venetian (or any other style) mask and join our Masquerade Party this Halloween Weekend! You've got two nights to choose from—Friday, October 31st, or Saturday, November 1st.