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Carnival Art

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Carnival Art For Sale
Pair of Quirky Plaster Figures, Signed E. Siegl
Located in Brecht, BE
A quirky pair of plaster figures, 19th century Folk Art, signed E. Siegl, in very good vintage condition. man is 40 cm high x 43 cm wide and 24 cm deep, woman is 40 cm high x 39 cm...
Category

Late 19th Century German Antique Carnival Art

Materials

Plaster

Early Antique Collection of Eight Bone Glove Stretchers Made in France
Located in Manhasset, NY
Collection of eight antique spring action bone glove stretchers made in France. The large ones measure 8 inches, the smaller at 6 inches.
Category

Mid-20th Century Industrial Carnival Art

Breitschwerdt German Puppet Folk Art
Located in Dallas, TX
Breitschwerot German Puppet Folk Art.
Category

20th Century German Carnival Art

Materials

Wood

Antique and Vintage Carnival Art

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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