Vintage Carnival Props
20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Wood
Late 20th Century American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Resin, Fiberglass, Paint
Mid-20th Century American Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Plaster
Recent Sales
1930s French Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Wood, Paint
20th Century French Vintage Carnival Props
Papier Mâché
1940s American Vintage Carnival Props
Wood
1930s American Vintage Carnival Props
Wood
1960s Unknown Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
20th Century American Vintage Carnival Props
Paint
Mid-20th Century North American American Craftsman Vintage Carnival Props
Hardwood
People Also Browsed
1970s Italian Post-Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Wood, Elm
2010s European Vintage Carnival Props
Other
20th Century French Hollywood Regency Vintage Carnival Props
Metal
2010s French Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Ceramic
1960s Canadian Mid-Century Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Aluminum
1930s American Vintage Carnival Props
Linen, Paper
1940s Vintage Carnival Props
Gouache, Oil
1940s American Art Deco Vintage Carnival Props
Chrome
1970s Italian Hollywood Regency Vintage Carnival Props
Brass, Steel, Chrome
20th Century American Industrial Vintage Carnival Props
Metal
1920s American Folk Art Vintage Carnival Props
Wood, Paint
2010s Italian Vintage Carnival Props
Walnut
2010s American Modern Vintage Carnival Props
Steel
15th Century and Earlier North American Vintage Carnival Props
Bone
15th Century and Earlier African Vintage Carnival Props
Bone
1950s North American Primitive Vintage Carnival Props
Mirror, 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.
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