Carnival procession in the via Lata

This bustling street scene captures a moment from the Carnival celebrations in Rome, with a lively crowd gathered to watch a troupe of masked figures performing atop a raised cart. The cart, drawn by horses, serves as an improvised stage where costumed characters—likely drawn from commedia dell’arte—gesture wildly, dance, and entertain. On either side, spectators crowd the sidewalks, while many others watch from balconies and windows, adding to the festive atmosphere. The image conveys the chaotic joy of public festivity, where performance spills into urban life. In the background, two prominent landmarks clearly situate the scene: the Arco di Portogallo and the obelisk of Piazza del Popolo, firmly anchoring the setting in Rome, on the via Lata (now Corso).