Dentzel Carousel Animals
Early 20th Century German Other Animal Sculptures
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century German Other Animal Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century German Other Animal Sculptures
Wood
Late 20th Century North American Carnival Art
Metal
Antique 1890s American Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century European Carnival Art
Iron
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Wood
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Metal
Antique 19th Century European Children's Furniture
Wood
Antique 1890s American American Classical Animal Sculptures
Wood
20th Century American Carnival Art
Iron
Antique Early 19th Century German Art Nouveau Children's Furniture
Wood
Antique 19th Century French Animal Sculptures
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary American Abstract Sculptures
Metal
Early 20th Century American American Classical Animal Sculptures
Metal
1980s Contemporary Animal Prints
Screen
Mid-20th Century Modern Portrait Paintings
Canvas, Oil
1930s Abstract Abstract Drawings and Watercolors
Watercolor, Archival Paper
Early 1900s Modern Figurative Prints
Aquatint, Etching
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century American Carnival Art
Pine
20th Century Mid-Century Modern Animal Sculptures
Wood
Antique Early 1900s American Victorian Carnival Art
Wood
Early 20th Century American Carnival Art
Wood
Finding the Right carnival-art for You
The collection of original antique and vintage carnival art on 1stDibs includes paintings and posters that promoted traveling carnivals and circuses of years past as well as masks, sculptures and other works of folk art associated with widespread public celebrations that mark the start of harvest season or are rooted in religion.
The concept of “Carnival” is linked to an event that precedes Lent, the season of preparation before Easter for Christians (it may also have roots in Ancient Rome’s pagan Saturnalian festival), while the modern traveling carnival that we know — i.e., amusement fairs — existed during the 19th century in North America. The Chicago World’s Fair in 1893 was pivotal to these traveling amusement fairs.
Some of the most famous celebrations of Carnival around the world include Karneval in Germany, Carnival in Brazil and Mardi Gras in the United States. Carnival in Barbados is a traditional harvest festival. The bright colors, the caricatured masks and floats and the over-the-top nature of Carnival continue to enthrall millions across the globe.
Carnivals have always given way to impressive displays of creativity and folk art. Folk art is art created by people who are not classically trained for either utilitarian or decorative purposes. With respect to visual art in folk art, it refers to work that is reflective of a community’s culture and usually handmade by craftspeople working within a popular tradition.
Carnival art reflects the way different cultures celebrate or mark an important community event. Some examples of Carnival art include fabric dolls and marionettes that are used to tell stories and capture your imagination. Antique dolls make for striking collectibles positioned for display on any shelf in your home, while carnival masks make a bold statement as wall art. A collection of masks could create an elevated accent wall in a living room or dining room.
Browse 1stDibs to find unique antique and vintage carnival art for your space today.
Read More
A Giant Wedding Cake Has Us Looking at Portuguese Tiles in a New Light
At Waddesdon Manor, artist Joana Vasconcelos has installed a three-tiered patisserie inspired by the narrative tile work of her homeland. We take a look at the cake sculpture and how Portuguese tiles have been used in architecture from the 17th century to today.
Why Jules Chéret Was the King of the Modern Poster
The streets of fin-de-siècle Paris were set aglow with colorful poster ads, thanks to the printing techniques invented by Jules Chéret. Now, the Milwaukee Art Museum is celebrating this undersung talent in America's first solo show dedicated his exuberant works.
Why the American Flag Has Had So Many Different Star Patterns
Expert Jeff Bridgman explains the history and meaning behind the twinkling constellations that have graced Old Glory.
Peggy Guggenheim Loved Modernism, but She Also Collected Tribal Art
The iconoclastic style setter displayed African and Oceanic art, as well as works by indigenous peoples of the Americas, alongside pieces by such major modernists as Pablo Picasso and Jackson Pollock.
The 13-Star American Flag Had More Variations Than You’d Think
Perfect for July 4th weekend, a new show at Philadelphia's Museum of the American Revolution displays an array of antique red, white and blue flags.
Tramp Art, America’s Most Misunderstood Art Form, Is Trending in Interiors
Designers are beginning to see this enigmatic form of folk art in a whole new light.