![]() The myth of the plague doctor mask dates its origin Muratori recommended a gown, preferably made of leather or, in its absence, waxed silk or taffeta, and then mentioned that that “some sometimes have covered their face with a mask, or bautta, to which they added two crystal eyes” In 1714, he published On the Management of Plague in which he discussed the protective equipment that doctors and surgeons assisting plague patients should wear. One of the earliest mentions of masks is in the work of the Italian scholar Ludovico Muratori. Protective masks started to appear in the seventeenth century. It is possible that they protected themselves with cloths impregnated with scented substances, which they kept near their mouth. Medieval plague doctors did not use any mask. If you browse the web, you will find websites dedicated to the history of Venetian masks that claim that the plague doctor mask differs from all others because it was not just a costume but a real protective equipment used by doctors in time of plague epidemics. 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.When you think of a plague doctor you most likely picture in your mind someone wearing a bird-like beak mask, similar - if not the identical - to the Venetian masks that populate many window shops in Venice. 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. 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. 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. While quite startling upon the first appearance, this extra room in the front of the mask served as a chamber for aromatics. 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.
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