4Women Used Carnival to Escape Social Control
For Venetian women, carnival was one of the few moments of real autonomy.
Behind a mask, women could move through the city unchaperoned, visit gambling houses, attend performances, or meet lovers without fear of scandal. The anonymity allowed them to speak more freely and participate in public life in ways otherwise forbidden.
Some women even used carnival to negotiate marriages, conduct business, or pursue intellectual interests, all hidden behind silk, lace, and porcelain masks.
