Volto

The volto (Italian for "face") or larva (meaning "ghost" in Latin) is the iconic modern Venetian mask: it is often made of stark white porcelain or thick plastic, though also frequently gilded and decorated, and is commonly worn with a tricorn and cloak. The volto is also quite heavier than a typical mask and has a much tighter fit; many people who experience claustrophobia do not wear the volto at the Carnival. If worn by a woman, who are the most common wearers of the volto at the modern festival, it is typically worn with a headdress, scarf, veil, another mask, or a combination of all four. It is secured in the back with a ribbon.

Unlike the moretta muta, the volto covers the entire face of the wearer including the whole of the chin, and depicts the nose and lips in simple facial expressions. Unlike a typical mask, it also extends farther back to just before the ears and upwards to the top of the forehead. Unlike the bauta, the volto cannot be worn while eating and drinking because the coverage of the chin and cheeks is too complete and tight.