The first Venetian theater masks were worn in 1268 as part of an annual celebration that recognized a military victory in 1162. They grew in popularity in the medieval times when prominent people disguised their identity during carnivals while engaged in promiscuous, immoral and carnal activities. This usage was parodied in comedies about adultery and love by traveling theater companies known as Commedia Dell’arte in the 16th through 18th centuries.
