Whats with the plague doctor mask5/22/2023 ![]() In modern-day, it can be seen throughout Italy during the famous Carnivale celebration as well as having become a well-known character in theatre from the 17th century on. This new illustration of the classic plague doctor is one that influenced much of media today, and it made an impact on the reputation of plague doctors for centuries after. In addition to this accusation, the drawing was exaggerated to include claw-like gloves as well as a stick the doctor carried, which had a bat-winged hourglass sitting atop of it. They believed that it floated around as a dangerous miasma that could be breathed in. In this version, the doctor was referred to as 'Doctor Schnabel von Rom.' When translated, this means 'Doctor Beaky from Rome.' This engraving was a near duplicate of Altzenbach's but rather than speaking highly of the outfit and the doctor, the engraving insinuated that the doctor, 'does nothing but terrify people and take money from the dead and dying,' according to LiveScience. Well, the beak-like mask was thought to help protect them from the plague. During the same year that the plague doctor's outfit was first illustrated with a detailed description, another engraver by the name of Paulus Fürst created a satirical version of the outfit. There was some speculation, however, from those who believed that the outfit was far more of a show than a result of medical science. Related: You Can Visit Framlingham Castle, Where 'Bloody Mary' Was Crowned Queen Before modern medicine, it was believed that these aromatics in the front of the mask would prevent the wearer from breathing in what was referred to as 'pestilential miasma,' otherwise known as disease-laden air. Their robes, leggings, hats, and gloves were made of morocco leather. The plague doctors of Nijmegen also wore beaked masks. This was worn by mediaeval Plague Doctors as protection according to the Miasma Theory. The costume forms the frontispiece of Manget’s 1721 work. While quite startling upon the first appearance, this extra room in the front of the mask served as a chamber for aromatics. The costume features a beaked white mask, black hat and waxed gown. The mask itself was quite tight-fitting and the 'beak' measured to roughly six inches long. Why a bird-like beak? What was the purpose of covering the doctor's entire face? According to literary accounts, the beak did actually serve a purpose. While most of the outfit makes sense with its full coverings and thick material, it's the mask that many have questioned. Along with the illustration, it was detailed how, exactly, each part was intended to protect the wearer from illness. ![]() Gerhart Altzenbach, who was a German engraver during the mid-1600s, was responsible for creating the first illustration of the plague doctor's uniform. The Plague Doctor Mask is your protection from the dangers of the worlds illness, shielding you just as a knights armor protects him from a fatal strike. ![]()
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