Carousel Camel
Mid-20th Century Unknown American Craftsman Animal Sculptures
Wood
Recent Sales
Antique Early 1800s North American Carnival Art
Early 20th Century American Carnival Art
Wood, Leather
Antique Late 19th Century American Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood
Late 20th Century European Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood
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Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
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Antique Late 19th Century Japanese Edo Lacquer
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Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Beds and Bed Frames
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Antique 15th Century and Earlier German Decorative Art
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Vintage 1930s American Art Deco Chandeliers and Pendants
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Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Rocking Chairs
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1920s Figurative Paintings
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20th Century Italian Figurative Sculptures
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Vintage 1940s French Cabinets
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17th Century Baroque Figurative Paintings
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Antique Late 19th Century French Belle Époque Table Lamps
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Antique 19th Century French Napoleon III Vases
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Antique 19th Century English Victorian Game Tables
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Vintage 1970s Italian Baroque Sterling Silver
Sterling Silver
21st Century and Contemporary French Baroque Natural Specimens
Coral, Quartz, Tourmaline, Bronze
Antique Mid-19th Century English Sheffield and Silverplate
Silver Plate
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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