Namaste Giacomo (The Elephant 象)

Amidst the dazzling spectacle of the Venice Carnevale, a curious and captivating scene unfolded. A figure, rumored to be an "Indian masked Casanova," traversed the labyrinthine streets, his ornate mask hinting at untold stories and amorous adventures. He moved with a confident air, drawing attention with his vibrant attire and tantalizing aura of mystery. Meanwhile, his companion of an "elephant lover," adorned in elaborate pachyderm-inspired costumes, paraded with joyful abandon, his trunk swaying to the rhythm of distant music, his unusual mask radiating warmth and affection of the majestic creatures he emulated.

The sheer incongruity of it was breathtaking. Amidst the swirling sea of feathered masks and glittering costumes at the Venice Carnevale, stood an elephant. Not a real one, of course, but a magnificent creation of papier-mâché and vibrant paint, towering over the revelers. Its tusks gleamed under the soft Venetian light, and its trunk, operated from within, playfully sprayed confetti on unsuspecting passersby. The crowd, momentarily stunned into silence, erupted in delighted cheers, captivated by this unexpected and magnificent beast brought to life in the heart of the Carnevale. The elephant, a symbol of ancient power and wisdom, seemed to embody the spirit of the festival – a joyous celebration of art, illusion, and the blurring of reality.

While traditional Venetian Carnevale masks evoke images of commedia dell'arte characters and ornate European designs, an Indian elephant mask would be a striking and unexpected choice. Such a mask could draw inspiration from the rich cultural heritage of India, incorporating intricate details like paisley patterns, vibrant colors, and perhaps even miniature jewels. Imagining the mask, one might envision a majestic trunk gracefully curving downwards, oversized ears adorned with elaborate decorations, and expressive eyes conveying wisdom and mystery. The fusion of the exotic Indian elephant with the established Venetian Carnevale tradition would undoubtedly create a unique and memorable presence amid the festivities.

The inspiration for the costumes and photo comes from Pietro Longhi's oil on canvas painting "The Elephant". This painting documents a specific and memorable event in 1774 when an Indian elephant was brought to Venice for public exhibition. The heavy, fur-lined cloaks, muffs and hats worn by the figures and the white mask hiding the face of the man in black suggest this occurred during the cold period of Carnevale. There are four known versions of this painting, each portraying a different group of figures before the colossal creature.

The name of the costume is Namaste Giacomo.

This is the winner of the "Most Original Mask" at the Venice Carnevale 2025.

As usual, the portraits are just done on the busy streets of Venice and using natural lighting only...It is not an indoor photo studio, there is no artificial lighting, flash or reflectors...