Vintage Carnival Car
Mid-20th Century Italian Space Age Carnival Art
Metal
Vintage 1980s Italian Post-Modern Chairs
Chrome
People Also Browsed
Vintage 1950s French Mid-Century Modern Desks and Writing Tables
Oak, Plywood
Vintage 1920s English Mid-Century Modern Wardrobes and Armoires
Wood, Oak
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Wood
Early 20th Century German Folk Art Carnival Art
Metal
Vintage 1970s Asian Space Age Desk Sets
Plastic
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Armchairs
Fiberglass
Mid-20th Century American Modern Musical Instruments
Chrome, Brass
Vintage 1970s French Space Age Sideboards
Fiberglass
Late 20th Century European Modern Carnival Art
Polyester
Vintage 1970s Dutch Space Age Coffee and Cocktail Tables
Glass, Polyester
Vintage 1970s Brazilian Space Age Desks and Writing Tables
Metal
Vintage 1970s Italian Space Age Daybeds
Fiberglass
Vintage 1970s German Space Age Lounge Chairs
Fabric
Mid-20th Century Belgian Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Metal
Late 20th Century Korean Industrial Chandeliers and Pendants
Aluminum, Brass
Vintage 1970s German Mid-Century Modern Bathroom Fixtures
Chrome
Recent Sales
Vintage 1950s American Carnival Art
Metal
Vintage 1950s American Posters
Late 20th Century French Carnival Art
Metal
Mid-20th Century Belgian Carnival Art
Metal
Mid-20th Century Belgian Carnival Art
Chrome
Mid-20th Century German Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Wood
Late 20th Century Belgian Modern Carnival Art
Metal
Mid-20th Century European Mid-Century Modern Children's Furniture
Wood
Early 20th Century British Folk Art Carnival Art
Wood
Vintage 1930s British Carnival Art
Steel
Vintage 1960s English Mid-Century Modern Carnival Art
Fiberglass
Vintage 1950s American Carnival Art
Metal
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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