In part one of the study of masques, we ended our study discussing the masque’s growing popularity in the 16th century, thanks to the influence of Queen Elizabeth I and through the popular works of Shakespeare. But we don’t see the traditions and influences of the 1500’s in our daily lives, so what happened within the past 500 years that brought back masks and masquerades in such a fury of passion? Ah, I shall explain forthright anon.
The Venetian Reputation
When we left off in the 16th century, I mentioned the masquerade and consequently the masques’ popularity originating in France and spreading to the rest of Europe. So how is it that masquerades today are identified as a product of Italian and Venetian origin?
During the 1500’s when masquerades and wearing masks was all the rage, the Italian city of Venice was one of the many cities that eagerly partook in the trend since it’s popularity in the early 1200s, but the Venetians took masquerading to a whole another level in the 1500s. But in order to understand how masks became popular, it is important to understand the city of Venice itself.
Carpaccio’s “Miracle of the Relic of the True Cross on the Rialto Bridge” or “The Healing of the Possessed Man.” 15th Century Venice.
Venice was founded in 421, and it’s unique government, The Republic of Venice, was founded in the 12th century. During the time between the 5th and 12th centuries, the region of Venice was controlled by a doge, essentially a monarch to govern the city for life. Eventually the doge position changed – due to political disputes – and the doge became an elected official to govern the city along side a governmental body. The Venetian Supreme Court, Senate, and The Council of 10 (the secret state police) was developed, and therefore eliminated much of the doge’s control and power. Venice began conquering different regions in Italy during the 15th century, due to the threatened power of the Duke of Millan.
By the end of the 15th and beginning of the 16th century, according to Introducing Venice, “Venice was at the center of the world’s commerce and had the largest port in the world, with over 200,000 inhabitants.” In fact, some of Europe’s wealthiest families owned mansions (palazzos) in Venice, which were built by the world’s most famous architects of the day.
With this knowledge, this makes sense to us Shakespearean fanatics, as many of the Bard’s plays romanticize and take place in Venice.
Joseph Heintz the Younger. “Competition on the Ponte dei Pugni in Venice.” (The Bridge of Fists.) Circa. 1673.
Now that we know the city of Venice was more than just an ordinary city, we can progress the study of masks with fresh eyes and heightened understanding.
Because the Venetian society was dominated by the high society elite, and was heavily influenced by power and wealth, and through the city’s popularity, the identity of Venice created its own culture and was therefore mimicked throughout Europe. And Masks rose to it’s heightened glory…
Most of the aristocrats took advantage of concealing their identities daily, along with the peasants. By wearing masks every day and trading one’s identity to live the life of another, this evened the playing field, equalizing every person’s opportunity to be mysterious and essentially live a lie.
The secret police could interrogate people, without the risk of either identities being discovered. Identities were hidden, and therefore protected. When you don’t have an identity, you can get away with literally anything. And that’s exactly what happened. Due to tourism and being the center of the world, masks allowed people to participate in promiscuous and lustful activities, especially at balls… aka, masquerades. Lives became more risque, attire more revealing, and the masks more elaborate.
Carnival in Piazza San Marco, Venice circa 1700.
After the fall of the Republic, the Pope created sumptuary laws limiting the use of masks, and only allowing them to be worn during one season, which became known as the Venetian Carnival. But Venice’s influence began to die out in the 17th century, and pretty much died out of Europe all together. Therefore, masquerades and wearing masks wasn’t worn in any other country other than Venice, and when Venice receded, so did the masks.
monarchy approved
Masquerades eventually came back to France and England in the mid 18th century all thanks to Swiss Count John James Heidegger. The “Swiss count” lived in England and had brought masquerades back into fashion in the early 1700s by hosting dinner parties, themed balls, and public events in ball rooms and gardens across London, and was in fact responsible for organizing much of the lavish decadence of the operas for George II.
These “new” masquerades became the crowning event again for all of Europe. Full of luxurious attire, newly designed masks, unescorted ladies, drunkards, gruesome affairs, and all the lifestyle pertaining to the life of mystery… including murder.
In fact! King Gustav III of Sweden was actually murdered at his own, privately hosted masquerade ball at Stockholm’s Royal Opera House in 1792. Several plays and operas were created in light of this monumental assassination.
After this horrifying event, masquerades were seen as “nights of risk.” Gradually, these balls of mystery decreased into a novelty, increasing in danger and lust, ultimately being seen as in the likes of night clubs and brothels. Thus, marked the demise of the masques and masquerades, at least until the 19th century, where costume galas and “Fancy Dress Balls” were hosted among the elite and wealthy.
Comeback for Good?
Well, the end… just kidding. Masquerades made a comeback in 1979 due to the reintroduction of the Venetian Carnival, and since then, Masques and Masquerades have fascinated the globe for decades.
Hope you enjoyed and learned a thing or two about the origin of masks and masquerades! -Elise
Additional Resources:
History of Venetian Masks – Magic of Venezia
A Guide to the Masks of Venice – Culture Trip
Faces of War – Smithsonian Museum