Venice Incognito

Venice Incognito reveals that masking in Venice was not merely about indulgence or escaping identity but served as a subversive response to the city's rigid class hierarchy. Johnson's analysis demonstrates that covering one's face allowed individuals across all social strata—from nobles and clergy to imposters—to blend into society, challenging conventional norms. By examining historical accounts and reconstructing the logic behind masking, both during carnival and outside of it, the study offers a fresh perspective on how identity was constructed in Venetian society. This approach contrasts with earlier interpretations that focused solely on pleasure or forgetfulness, providing deeper insight into the cultural significance of masking in one of Europe's most hierarchical cities.

Johnson, J. H. (2011). Venice Incognito. https://doi.org/10.1525/9780520948624