A masquerade party anyone?

| Read time: 4 minute(s)

Art World
By Kinjal Trivedi

A masquerade party anyone? Talking about masks, yet again... Have you ever seen a masquerade party? This kind of party was started in the 16th century in France where masks were worn during marriages of the upper class. The kings and queens used to wear masks to be unapproachable. It's a way of setting themselves apart from the crowd. These masks were elaborate and fancy. Made of crystals and pearls and feathers. Later in the 18th century, this style was caught up in Italy and the meaning moved towards celebrating life altogether. Venetian masks became so famous that they had special parade to celebrate their culture. If you ever go to the city of Venice, you will see masks being sold in the tourist shops or souvenir shops. They’re all so beautiful. From black and white to metallic to ones made of light wood colored with enamel or paint. There are some really colorful ones as well! Throughout the century, masquerade dances became popular and were famous in colonial America. They personified the European culture and gave it a new meaning. Masquerade balls were sometimes set as a game among the guests. The guests used to wear masks to guess who the person is. This could be a conversation starter or anyone who wanted to be mysterious — Lucky for those who are shy of talking to a crowd but still want to party. One of the most noted masquerade balls of the 20th century was the one that held at Palazzo Labia in Venice on September 3, 1951, hosted by Carlos de Besteigui. It was dubbed "the party of the century." Maybe this could be a theme for your next birthday party. Am I invited? Ceramic Venetian mask Opera happy and sad masks. These masks were worn to exaggerate the facial expressions. Fancy and elegant masquerade mask made of crystals and feathers.

Talking about masks, yet again…
Have you ever seen a masquerade party?

This kind of party was started in the 16th century in France where masks were worn during marriages of the upper class. The kings and queens used to wear masks to be unapproachable. It’s a way of setting themselves apart from the crowd. These masks were elaborate and fancy. Made of crystals and pearls and feathers.

Later in the 18th century, this style was caught up in Italy and the meaning moved towards celebrating life altogether. Venetian masks became so famous that they had special parade to celebrate their culture. If you ever go to the city of Venice, you will see masks being sold in the tourist shops or souvenir shops. They’re all so beautiful. From black and white to metallic to ones made of light wood colored with enamel or paint. There are some really colorful ones as well!

Ceramic Venetian mask

Throughout the century, masquerade dances became popular and were famous in colonial America. They personified the European culture and gave it a new meaning. Masquerade balls were sometimes set as a game among the guests. The guests used to wear masks to guess who the person is. This could be a conversation starter or anyone who wanted to be mysterious — Lucky for those who are shy of talking to a crowd but still want to party. 

Opera happy and sad masks. These masks were worn to exaggerate the facial expressions.

One of the most noted masquerade balls of the 20th century was the one that held at Palazzo Labia in Venice on September 3, 1951, hosted by Carlos de Besteigui. It was dubbed “the party of the century.”

Maybe this could be a theme for your next birthday party. Am I invited?

Fancy and elegant masquerade mask made of crystals and feathers.

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