masks are an essential feature of il carnevale di venezia. venice's carnival began in the 11th century, and the wearing of masks and costumes was well established by 1436, when mask makers or mascereri were officially recognised with their own guild.

the practise of wearing masks for disguise reached its peak in the 18th century when venetians of different social classes used carnevale as an excuse to mingle and, in some case, to make sexual favours without fear of recognition or retribution.

the mask was always worn over a black hood with a black tricorn hat, along with a long black cape to give the maximum degree of disguise. worn all year round by the venetian upper classes, the