What is a Volto mask?

The "volto" or "larva" mask was originally always a white mask, always worn with a three cornered hat and in fact, attached to the hat. The term "larva" refers to "ghosts" and these white masks under the hat must have truly seemed ghostly on a moon lit night in Venice at a time when there was only dim street lighting.

Where is the volto mask from?

Originally, the masks were called “larve” and were made of oilcloth. Their appearance was that of a stylized face, entirely white. Today, this type of mask is used during the Carnival of Venice and also is known by the name of “volto” (“volto intero mask” means a whole face mask).

What is the meaning behind Venetian masks?

Venetian masks were traditionally worn to protect the identity of the wearer and were eventually worn during the Venetian Carnival. The masks are divided into two categories: Commedia dell' Arte masks and Carnival masks.

What were bauta masks made of?

Historically, the main characteristics of the bauta consist of: the bauta proper, i.e. a black silk hood decorated with lace. the white mask called the Face.

What is a Moretta mask?

The moretta mask, reserved exclusively for women, was a Venetian mask that was round and covered with black velvet. Also known as the 'muta', it perfectly concealed the features of the wearer's face and was very common in Venice in the 18th century.

Why Were Masks So Popular in Medieval Venice?

What is a Bauta mask?

Bauta Masks

The Bauta is a mask which covers the whole face, with a stubborn chin line, no mouth, and lots of gilding. The Bauta was introduced in the 16th Century and was worn by the upper classes in Venetian society frequently during the year, but by the masses during the Carnival.

What does Arlecchino mask look like?

Physically, Arlecchino is described as wearing a costume covered in irregular patches, a hat outfitted with either a rabbit or fox's tail, and a red and black mask. The mask itself is identified by carbuncles on the forehead, small eyes, a snub nose, hollow cheeks, and sometimes bushy brows with facial hair.

What is a Bauta?

Definition of bauta

: a prehistoric upright gravestone or memorial stone sometimes 20 feet high that was often placed at the summit of a barrow — compare menhir.

What do Venetian masks look like?

Typical Venetian Carnival Masks

It is always white and used to mostly cover the facial features. It is always worn with the black hat with three tips (tricorno).

What is a Carnival mask called?

Long considered the traditional and archetypal Venetian mask, the Bauta always used to appear in white, and even though it was worn extensively throughout the Carnival period it owes much of its prominence to the fact that it was used all year round by those simply wishing to hide their identity.

Why do Venetian masks have long noses?

The long nose would hold herbs and flowers that would filter the air and cover up the horrible smells of plague victims. It's usually worn with a long black coat, white gloves, and a staff to complete the plague doctor uniform.

Who wore Venetian masks?

Originally it was worn only by men of all social classes but by the 18th century, it had also been embraced by married women. It consists of several elements: volto (or larva) – the actual face mask. Traditionally white it has a long nose and a triangular bottom half that jutts above the lips of the wearer.

What is a half mask called?

Respirators that cover the nose and mouth are called half-mask respirators. Those that cover the face, including the eyes, are called full-face respirators.

What does a white mask symbolize?

White Masquerade Masks show you are virtuous, fertile, clean, and of high status. Good if you would like others to feel you have high aspirations and confidence.

What do you call a mask that only covers your eyes?

A domino mask is a small, often rounded mask covering only the area around the eyes and the space between them.

What is a white mask called?

The "volto" or "larva" mask was originally always a white mask, always worn with a three cornered hat and in fact, attached to the hat.

What do Carnival masks symbolize?

The Venetian masks that are worn during the Carnival of Venice symbolize a number of different things. Some people believe that they represent freedom, while others believe they represent anonymity. They may also be seen as a way to escape from the reality of life for a short period of time.

How do you make a Bauta mask?

What are Venetian masks made of?

Venetian masks date back to around the year 1200. The masks were made mainly with the products present at the time, such as paper and glue (papier-mâché), earth and clay (ceramic/plaster), rags, fabric or pieces of animal skin (leather). These were the “raw materials” that were found in those years.

What is a Colombina mask?

Popularised by a recurring character in the commedia dell'arte by the same name (also known as Columbine or Columbina), the Columbina is traditionally a half mask adorned with an ornate variety of Jewels, feathers and fabrics. Often painted in gold or silver, it was held in place by either a ribbon or a stick.

Why does Arlecchino wear a mask?

Arlecchino 's costume and mask are significant because they are a reflection of his energetic personality. Physically, Arlecchino is described as wearing a costume covered in irregular patches, similar to the clothes of a clown.

Why is Zanni's nose so long?

In the early days of Commedia dell'Arte, the Zanni mask used in the theatre was a full face mask with a long nose. It developed from here into a half mask covering the upper half of the face only with an extended, long nose. The longer the nose on the mask, then the more stupid was the character.

How does Arlecchino stand?

STATUS: Arlecchino is a shape shifting servant to Pantalone, Il Capitano or Il Dottore. A crafty low status character, Arlecchino tries to trick his patrons out of money, but usually fails. Arlecchino is very quick, acrobatic and limber. He's not as intelligent as Brighella, but he is not as stupid as the Zannis.

Why are masks used in commedia dell arte?

A mask helps to create the beautiful, extravagant, repulsive and yet attractiveness of each character. Masks allow the actor to further explore the character. To the audience, the actor's physical movements and embodiment of the stock characters help to establish their character and the mask enhances it.

Why is it called a domino's mask?

The name ultimately derives from the Latin dominus, meaning "lord" or "master." In comic book and popular culture, a domino mask indicates that a superhero/heroine wishes to maintain his/her secret identity; at the same time the mask actually obscures little of the facial features that make the character recognizable.