Les Delices de l’Italie. Vol. I

1706

de Beer Lb 1706 R

[Leiden]: Pierre Vander Aa

Mask-makers (mascherari) must have a field day when carnival time arrives in Venice. After all, there are numerous styles to choose from: the bauta (with an over-prominent nose); the Columbina (a half-mask); the Medico della peste (originally used to prevent the spread of disease); the moretta (a black velvet oval mask for women only); the volto (Italian for face; or larva, meaning ghost in Latin); the Pantalone; and the Zanni (half mask with a reverse curve towards the end). The carnival has had a long and colourful history: established in the 12th century; outlawed in 1797; and rejuvenated in modern times as an event celebrating the history and culture of Venice. Some of the types of masks are clearly visible in this 1706 engraving.