Carnival Ride Animal
Mid-20th Century Mexican Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood, Paint
Antique 19th Century Dutch Folk Art Carnival Art
Iron
Mid-20th Century French Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood
Early 20th Century British Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Acrylic, Canvas
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Figurative Paintings
Oil
21st Century and Contemporary Contemporary Abstract Paintings
Acrylic
2010s Contemporary Figurative Drawings and Watercolors
Archival Paper, Watercolor
People Also Browsed
Mid-20th Century American Folk Art Signs
Wood
Vintage 1940s American Folk Art Carnival Art
Fabric, Canvas
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Wood
Vintage 1960s French Art Deco Signs
Plaster
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Game Tables
Wood, Paint
Antique 1880s English High Victorian Animal Sculptures
Pine
Antique Late 19th Century European Moorish Architectural Elements
Wrought Iron
Mid-20th Century Unknown American Craftsman Animal Sculptures
Wood
Early 20th Century French Folk Art Signs
Zinc
Late 20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Metal
20th Century Unknown American Craftsman Animal Sculptures
Wood
Antique 1890s American Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood
Antique Late 19th Century French Louis XV Figurative Sculptures
Marble, Bronze
Antique 18th Century French Stone Sinks
Stone
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Canvas, Cotton, Wood
Vintage 1930s American Folk Art Carnival Art
Canvas
Recent Sales
Antique 19th Century American Carnival Art
Pine
Late 20th Century European Carnival Art
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Iron
Vintage 1980s Dutch Carnival Art
Wood
Vintage 1930s American Industrial Animal Sculptures
Iron
Early 20th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood
Late 20th Century European Carnival Art
Polyester, Wood
Mid-20th Century French Carnival Art
Wood
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Metal
Late 20th Century European Carnival Art
Polyester, Wood
Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Fiberglass
Vintage 1940s North American Carnival Art
Tin
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.
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