Carnival Masks

Carnival Masks

Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition of Venice, Italy. The masks are typically worn during the Carnevale (Carnival of Venice), but have been used on many other occasions in the past, usually as a device for hiding the wearer’s identity and social status. The mask would permit the wearer to act more freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with other members of the society outside the bounds of identity and everyday convention. It was thus useful for a variety of purposes, some of them illicit or criminal, others just personal, such as romantic encounters.

Venetian masks are characterised by their ornate design, featuring bright colours such as gold or silver and the use of complex decorations in the baroque style. Many designs of Venetian masks stem from Commedia dell’arte.

Information from Wikipedia.

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Camera: Canon EOS 450D (Digital Rebel XSi in the USA)
Sigma 18-200mm lens

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Related shots can be found at: Venice or Italy.

Featured in : Sets of Two : 23 Nov 09

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