Hubner Horse
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Carnival Art
Metal
Vintage 1920s American American Craftsman Carnival Art
Brass, Metal
People Also Browsed
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Modern Screens and Room Dividers
Wood
Antique 17th Century French Panelling
Softwood
Antique 19th Century Italian Baroque Revival Beds and Bed Frames
Silver
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Mid-Century Modern Sofas
Brass
Vintage 1960s Italian Mid-Century Modern Lounge Chairs
Steel, Nickel
Antique 19th Century English Renaissance Revival Panelling
Wood, Pine
Vintage 1950s British Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Velvet, Oak
Antique 1720s Spanish Baroque Beds and Bed Frames
Giltwood, Paint
Vintage 1950s English Renaissance Beds and Bed Frames
Oak
Mid-20th Century European Toys
Metal
Antique Late 19th Century Chinese Beds and Bed Frames
Lacquer, Wood
21st Century and Contemporary Portuguese Modern Sofas
Fabric, Wood
Antique Late 19th Century Windows
Stained Glass
Antique Mid-18th Century French Louis XV Bookcases
Oak
2010s British Louis XVI Beds and Bed Frames
Wood
1990s English Decorative Boxes
Gold
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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