Page 37 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Venice & The Veneto

A POR TR AIT OF THE VENE T O  35

Making a Mask
Many masks, and the characters they represent, are deeply
rooted in Venetian history. Though instantly recognizable by
such features as the beaked nose of the Plague Doctor, each
character can be interpreted in a style that is unique to its
maker, making each piece a true work of art.

Street Entertainers
Musicians and comedians
attract the crowds in the
piazza San Marco.
1 The form of the mask is 2 Papier mâché paste,
first modelled out of clay. Then made from a pulpy fibrous
The satyr-like profile of
this dancer hints that he a plaster of Paris mould is made mixture of rags and paper
is the devil in disguise. using the fired clay sculpture dipped in glue, is used to
as a pattern. make the mask itself.

3 To shape the mask, papier 4 The size, or glue, used to
mâché paste is pushed into the make the papier mâché gives
plaster mould, then put aside the mask a smooth, shiny
to set. It becomes hard yet surface, similar to porcelain,
flexible as it dries. when it is extracted.

5 An abrasive polish is used 6 Cutting the eyeholes
to buff the surface of the mask, and other features requires
which is then ready to receive the mask maker to have a
the white base coat. steady hand.

7 The features are painted 8 The finished mask is ready
Columbine on the mask and the final to wear at the Carnival or to
A classic Carnival figure, touches are added with a few hang on a wall – the perfect
Columbine wears lace and clever brushstrokes. Venetian souvenir.
an apron, but no mask.

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