$MASKS

According to legend, the Carnival of Venice began after the military victory of the Venetian Republic over the Patriarch of Aquileia, Ulrich II von Treven, in the year 1162. In honour of this victory, the people started to dance and gather in St Mark's Square. Apparently, this festival started in that period and became official during the Renaissance.[3] In the 17th century, the Baroque Carnival preserved the prestigious image of Venice in the world.[4] It was very famous during the 18th century.[5] It encouraged licence and pleasure, but it was also used to protect Venetians from present and future anguish.[6] However, under the rule of the Holy Roman Emperor and later Emperor of Austria, Francis II, the festival was outlawed entirely in 1797 and the use of masks became strictly forbidden. It reappeared gradually in the 19th century, but only for short periods and above all for private feasts, where it became an occasion for artistic creations