Auction Ends: Oct 30, 2021 07:20 PM EDT

Art

Black & Gold Venetian Masquerade Mask + Book on Venetian Mask History and Technique

Item Number: 146

Estimated Value: 80 USD
Sold: 27 USD to btsintheatl

Number of Bids: 1 - Bid History

Item Description

Celebrate the Elegance and History of Venetian Masquerade with this authentic Black and Ivory Venetian Mask, made in Italy, and companion book, Maschere a Venezia (Venetian Mask), History and Technique!

The Moretta or Muta Mask (The Mask as erotic enticement) was worn only by women and actually constituted a very potent game of erotic attraction. The Moretta ("small and dark") is small, oval shaped, and covered with black velvet. The mask tradionally covered only the part of the face with the mouth and eyes and held to the face by a button on the inside which was gripped between the teeth. The lady therefore completely mute ("muta") and inexpressive at least until she decided to respond to the advances of a man, offering him, aside from her words, the sight of her face, too.

Maschere a Venezia (Venetian Mask), History and Technique was written by Mario Belloni in Italian, includes English translation. Belloni provides a concise history of the most typical masks worn in Venice and by performers of commedia dell'arte and a detailed section on the techniques of production. The book also includes a series of photographs of the Venetian carnival giving a final touch of color that completes the picture.

Be sure to check out items #147 and #148 to see other Venetian masks hand-selected by C.A.S.E. CEO, Debbie Riley.

Item Special Note

While C.A.S.E. will arrange shipping, the winning bidder must cover the cost. You may also arrange for curbside pick-up at C.A.S.E.’s headquarters at 3919 National Drive, Suite 200, Burtonsville, Maryland by contacting Anne Errigo at errigo@adoptionsupport.org. You will need to wear a mask when picking up items, remain in your car and call (301) 476-8525. A C.A.S.E. staff member, wearing a mask, will deliver the item to your car.