The Culture of Venice, Italy

Venetian Carnival Mask  

Venetian Mask are a centuries old tradition of Venice ,Italy .The mask are typically worn during the Carnival (Carnival of Venice ) ,but have been used on many other occasions in the past ,usually as a device for hiding the wearer's identity and social status . The mask would permit the wearer to act more freely in cases where he or she wanted to interact with other members of the society outside the bounds of identity and everyday convention .It was useful for a variety of purpose ,some of them illicit or criminal,others just personal ,such as romantic encounters .

These mask are characterised by their ornate,design , featuring bright colours such as gold or silver and the use of complex decorations in the baroque style .Many designs of the Venetian masks stem from Commedia dell'arte . 

There are few types of mask 

1. Bauta 

 

Bauta ( sometimes referred as Bautta ) is a mask which covers the whole face ,this was a traditional piece of art ,with a stubborn chin line , no mouth ,and lots of gilding .The Bauta was often accompanied by a red cape and a tricon .

-In  18th century ,the Bauta had become a standardized regulated by the Venetian government .

-It was obligatory to wear it at certain political decision ,making events when all citizens were required to act  anonymously as peers .

-Only citizens  had the right to used the Bauta .

-It was not allowed to wear weapons along with the mask ,and police had the right to enforce.

2. Columbina

The Columbina ( also know as Columbine or Columbino ) is a half mask often highly decorated with gold, silver ,crystals and feathers.

-It is help up to the face by a Baton or tied with ribbon as with most other Venetian Masks.

-The Columbine was popularised by an early actress in the Commedia dell'arte of the same name.

-It is said it was designed for her because she did not wish to have her beautiful face covered completely .

3. Moretta 

Popular in Venice as it brought out the beauty of fermine features such as the female head , body and mind .

-The mask was held in place by the wearer biting on a button or bit and was finished off with a veil.

-Servetta Muta translates as 'mute maid servant '

-This mask has not been widely worn since 1760 .

4.Volto 

The Volto ( also know as Larva ) is mainly white ,and typically Venetian ,it is thought the word 'Larva ' comes from the Latin meaning of "mask ' or "ghost " .

- Like Bauta ,the shape of the mask allowed the wearer to breathe ,drink and speak easily without having to   remove the mask .

-These mask were made of fine wax cloth and so were light and comfortable to wear , making them ideal for  a night of socializing and dancing .

Music of Venice 

The city of Venice in Italy has played an important role in the development of the music in Italy.The Venetian state -i.e ,the medival Maritime Republic of Venice was often populary called the "Republic of Music ", and an anonymous Frenchman of the 17th century is said to have remarked that "In every home ,someone is playing a musical instrument or singing .There is music everywhere ."

-Venice boats a large number of of prominent composers that brought the city fame that brought  the city fame as one of the musical centres of Europe during the Renaissance.

-The world -known Venetian School has produced extremely talented composers such as Antonio Vivaldi and Tomaso Albinoni.

Here are some pictures of the talented composers 

Antonio Vivaldi 

Tomaso Albinoni 

Venetian Cuisine 

Venetian cuisine may not be as world-famous as its Tuscan or Neapolitan relatives but it is certainly as original and diverse and perhaps even healthier. The main staples in traditional Venetian cooking are fish ,polenta and rice .Pasta is a rather recent import from other parts of Italy and so is pizza.

Traditional Venetian Foods 

         

Sarde in saor (fried sardines with onion and pinenuts marinated in white vinegar).

Fergato alla veneziana (This is one of the oldest and most delicious of all venetian receipes ,calf's liver with onions ,served with a side of polenta ) 

Bussola ( This cookie is from Island of Burano ,it is soft and delicate ) 

Written by ,

Valencia Wong Yong Wei 

FIA Group 6

July intake