Casanova vecchio e una amante 卡薩諾瓦與老情人

Every Venetian Carnival has a theme, and the 2025 Venice Carnival's Theme is “In the time of Casanova” (“Il Tempo di Casanova” in Italian), to honor the 300th anniversary of Giacomo Casanova's birth.

Giacomo Girolamo Casanova (2 April 1725 – 4 June 1798) was an Italian adventurer who was born in the Republic of Venice and travelled extensively throughout Europe. He is chiefly remembered for his autobiography, written in French and published posthumously as Histoire de ma vie ("The Story of My Life"). That work has come to be regarded as a unique and provocative source of information on the customs and norms of European social life in the 18th century.

Best known for his for his numerous romantic conquests and his reputation as a master of seduction, his memoirs detailed encounters with over 100 women. His conquests included women of all social classes, from duchesses and actresses to nuns, farm girls, and courtesans. His better known lovers have included a French lady named Henriette and M.M, the Nun from Murano...

In 1779, Casanova found Francesca, an uneducated seamstress, who became his live-in lover and housekeeper, and who loved him devotedly.

This year, I am very lucky to have Elisabeth and Rudolf Stelzig, veterans at the Venice Carnevale (best known for their Two Pulcinello costumes) come as Casanova and Francesca.

During Carnevale, the whole Venice becomes a real life theatrical stage, and many of these historical costumes carry deep perspectives...

And as usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...