Early 20th Century 24k Gold Venetian Mask
Beautiful early 20th century Venetian mask made of brass dusted in 24k gold.
Dimensions: 5.9” x 5.5”
Condition: Very good, minor wear to gold dusting
History of Venetian Masks
Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition dating as far back as at least the 13th century when the first law regulated the uses of masks. Though typically worn during Carnival, which began on the 26th of December and ending on Shrove Tuesday, Venetians wore masks in everyday life and in certain institutions such as the state run casino. In 1436, the masters of the Decorators Guild in Venice, proposed a number of regulations that were then ratified by the Giustizieri Vecchi, which resulted in the Venetian profession of “maschereri” or “mascareri” (mask makers) to be officially recognized with their own status. Venice, an aristocratic republic, ruling with a unique style of democracy effective only within the upper classes, with ordinary citizens having no say in government, was built upon trade, risk taking, & adventure. Because they enjoyed the love and support of the lower classes, the aristocracy could impose its own lifestyle as a model for the whole of Venetian society. To the upper classes, and by extension the rest of the populace, masks represented an absence of rules and freedom to move throughout the city with anonymity.
Beautiful early 20th century Venetian mask made of brass dusted in 24k gold.
Dimensions: 5.9” x 5.5”
Condition: Very good, minor wear to gold dusting
History of Venetian Masks
Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition dating as far back as at least the 13th century when the first law regulated the uses of masks. Though typically worn during Carnival, which began on the 26th of December and ending on Shrove Tuesday, Venetians wore masks in everyday life and in certain institutions such as the state run casino. In 1436, the masters of the Decorators Guild in Venice, proposed a number of regulations that were then ratified by the Giustizieri Vecchi, which resulted in the Venetian profession of “maschereri” or “mascareri” (mask makers) to be officially recognized with their own status. Venice, an aristocratic republic, ruling with a unique style of democracy effective only within the upper classes, with ordinary citizens having no say in government, was built upon trade, risk taking, & adventure. Because they enjoyed the love and support of the lower classes, the aristocracy could impose its own lifestyle as a model for the whole of Venetian society. To the upper classes, and by extension the rest of the populace, masks represented an absence of rules and freedom to move throughout the city with anonymity.
Beautiful early 20th century Venetian mask made of brass dusted in 24k gold.
Dimensions: 5.9” x 5.5”
Condition: Very good, minor wear to gold dusting
History of Venetian Masks
Venetian masks are a centuries-old tradition dating as far back as at least the 13th century when the first law regulated the uses of masks. Though typically worn during Carnival, which began on the 26th of December and ending on Shrove Tuesday, Venetians wore masks in everyday life and in certain institutions such as the state run casino. In 1436, the masters of the Decorators Guild in Venice, proposed a number of regulations that were then ratified by the Giustizieri Vecchi, which resulted in the Venetian profession of “maschereri” or “mascareri” (mask makers) to be officially recognized with their own status. Venice, an aristocratic republic, ruling with a unique style of democracy effective only within the upper classes, with ordinary citizens having no say in government, was built upon trade, risk taking, & adventure. Because they enjoyed the love and support of the lower classes, the aristocracy could impose its own lifestyle as a model for the whole of Venetian society. To the upper classes, and by extension the rest of the populace, masks represented an absence of rules and freedom to move throughout the city with anonymity.
