Handcrafted Masks by Carlo Setti

Carlo Setti - Masks Made in Venice

I had already introduced you to Carlo Setti and his workshop La Pietra Filosofale two years ago (you can read our interview HERE), thus you are aware of how much I appreciate his skill.

Carlo has been working as mask-maker for over 40 years, collaborating with various theatres and, of course, our opera house La Fenice. His leather masks are of a superior quality, with the protagonists of Commedia dell'Arte declined with different expressions and different moods, thanks to his carefully hand-carved wooden moulds, whereas his papier-mâché are inspired by all sorts of personalities, from musicians to politicians, artists or comic characters, or totally invented, like the series with the masks inspired by the woods or by the arts.

Carlo is a man of his time, no mobile phone and no familiarity with the web and social media, a fact that makes it difficult for him to remind people of his work. To support him and try to help him a little, I offered to dedicate a little space on my blog and propose some of his masks.

We selected 4 leather masks and 4 papier-mâché masks, to start.

All highly expressive.

We have Arlecchino, Pantalone, Pulcinella and, last but not least, an angry Bauta, the white and perhaps most representative Venetian mask, which you may remember in Kubrick's Eyes Wide Shut.

Each mask is a unique piece. In case you are interested in seeing a variety, just get in touch with me and through WhatsApp I can send you more pictures.

As for the papier-mâché masks, we chose the music theme. Music has always been one of Carlo's greatest passions, and through the years he designed a variety of personalities. He had started with classical music, being his shop so close to La Fenice, then he continued with some of his favourite singers and songwriters.

For you, we selected some of the most iconic musicians of the 50s, 60s and 70s, each with their specific feature.

Janis Joplin and her colourful fucsia furs.

Bob Dylan, with the curls created out of music sheets.

Up to Louis Armstrong and John Lennon.

Please keep in mind that each piece is unique, hand-shaped and painted.

The price is:

Papier mache masks: 110 eu. + shipping

Leather masks: 190 eu. + shipping

The parcel, bubble wrapped and packed, will weigh around 1 kg. To get an idea of the shipping costs, please visit this link: https://www.poste.it/prodotti/poste-delivery-standard.html

If interested, just send me an email at naturallyepicurean@gmail.com I will get back to you and we'll exchange mobile numbers, so that within a week I can visit Carlo and organise the payment and shipping for you and, if needed, send you more pics of different masks. I do realise it is not an immediate online sale, but the nature of the product and of the craftsman require to return to a slower but more human interaction!

When in Venice, don't forget to visit him in Frezzeria, to see him at work and discover his imaginative world and kind personality. Looking forward to hearing from you and thank you in advance for supporting a historical craft and a wonderful and talented craftsman.

La Pietra Filosofale - Google Map Address: San Marco 1735, 30124 Venezia Phone: +39 041 528 5885