Image

Constant Nieuwenhuys-La bauta, 1984

Photographer

Tom Haartsen

La Bauta

1984
45,2cm
x 30,0cm
paper
watercolour
Private collection, NL

CID

974

The bauta (sometimes referred as baùtta) is a mask, today often heavily gilded though originally simple stark white, which is designed to comfortably cover the entire face; this traditional grotesque piece of art was characterized by the inclusion of an over-prominent nose, a thick supraorbital ridge, a projecting "chin line", and no mouth. The mask's beak-like chin is designed to enable the wearer to talk, eat, and drink without having to remove it, thereby preserving the wearer's anonymity. The bauta was often accompanied by a red or black cape and a tricorn.

In 18th century, together with a black cape called a "tabarro", the bauta had become a standardized society mask and disguise regulated by the Venetian government. It was obligatory to wear it at certain political decision-making events when all citizens were required to act anonymously as peers. Only citizens (i.e., men) had the right to use the bauta. Its role was similar to the anonymizing processes invented to guarantee general, direct, free, equal and secret ballots in modern democracies. Also, the bearing of weapons along with the mask was specifically prohibited by law and enforceable by the Venetian police.

    Signed/dated

    Titled and signed "La Bauta" Constant, bottom right in white crayon

    Provenance

    1984 Constant
    Collection Adèle van Rijckevorsel, NL
    1990 Private collection, NL
    Tags
    Culture
    Masks
    People

    Frame dimensions

    70 x 53,5 cm

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