Interior Scene - Masked Party

Discussion

FROM THE BARNES FOUNDATION’S CATALOG

In this dusky tableau, apparently set in a Venetian palazzo, we see a servant carrying a tea tray, two seated women holding half-masks, and a fully masked man who seems to have just entered the room. The man's cape and tricorn hat signify that it's carnival season. He holds a handbell and gazes directly at one woman but gestures to the other. The glances exchanged between all four parties create a sense of suspense for the viewer. Indeed, in early modern Venice, the practice of masking was fundamentally about defying social rules. Dr. Barnes suggested another context for this painting by displaying it with African masks.

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