Plague doctor, France, 18th century
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Plague doctor, France, 18th century
Plague doctor. Artwork of the clothing used by doctors during plague outbreaks. This design, though in use much earlier, is from The Great Plague of Marseilles, France, in 1720. The plague (or Black Death) affected Europe from the 1340s to the 1700s. It is thought to have been bubonic plague, caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis, and spread by fleas on rats. This outbreak, one of the largest in Europe in the early 18th century, killed over 100, 000 people. The costumes beaked bronze mask contained aromatic herbs. This reduced the smell for the doctor and the limited airflow through holes in the beak reduced exposure to " bad air". Gloves and a heavily oiled undergarment and cloak were also designed to reduce exposure. 19th century artwork by Daumier, published in Devils, Drugs and Doctors (London, 1929)
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Media ID 6419551
© SHEILA TERRY/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 1720 18th Century 1929 Aromatic Beaked Bird Black Death Bronze Bubonic Plague Clothing Costume Doctor Epidemiology France French Glove Gloves Herbs Historical Image History Of Medicine Hygiene Infection Outfit Physician Plague Preventative Prevention Protection Protective Stick Wearing Cloaked Condition Daumier Disorder Health Care Marseilles Wand
EDITORS COMMENTS
This print showcases a haunting depiction of a Plague doctor from 18th century France. The artwork portrays the distinctive clothing worn by doctors during plague outbreaks, particularly during The Great Plague of Marseilles in 1720. This devastating epidemic, believed to be bubonic plague caused by Yersinia pestis bacteria spread through fleas on rats, claimed the lives of over 100,000 people in Europe. The Plague doctor's outfit featured a beaked bronze mask filled with aromatic herbs that helped reduce the foul smell and limited exposure to "bad air" through small holes in the beak. Additionally, gloves and heavily oiled undergarments and cloaks were designed as protective measures against infection. Created by Daumier in the 19th century and published in Devils, Drugs and Doctors (London, 1929), this historical illustration offers us a glimpse into the medical practices of that era. It highlights both the creativity and desperation of physicians striving to combat an invisible enemy. The image serves as a reminder of humanity's enduring struggle against infectious diseases throughout history. It also sheds light on how our understanding of medicine has evolved over time, emphasizing the importance of hygiene and preventative measures even centuries ago. This thought-provoking photograph transports us back to an era when plagues ravaged communities while simultaneously showcasing mankind's resilience in combating such deadly disorders.
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