![]() ![]() The plague doctor mask after centuries under a different meaning ended up becoming an iconic carnival costume. The plague doctor as a carnival costume, yesterday and today The mask served, on the one hand, to physically prevent the spirits from entering the physician's body and, on the other, to frighten them and drive those spirits away. Rather, it was believed that disease was carried by spirits or "negative influences" that caused disorder in the patent's moods. So why did it look so terrifying? The deeper aspect of the plague doctor mask has more to do with superstition and ancient ideas of the plague than with the practical needs of physicians.Īt the time of the plague, nothing was known about microbes or viruses. The plague doctor mask had a practical use to be sure. ![]() This also served specifically to avoid direct contact with the plague victims' bodies. Gloves and the wand, which the plague doctor holds in all - but rare - original representations, completed the ensemble. One could say that the plague doctor mask was the world's first attempt at a gas mask. According to the miasmatic-humoral doctrine, the plague was due to "bad air". The beak was meanwhile filled with aromatic herbs to filter and purify the air breathed by the plague doctor intended to prevent contagion. On both sides of the “beak”, two horizontal cuts were made to let air pass through. These holes were sealed by two pieces of glass, while the lower part of the face was covered by a powerful, hooked nose resembling a long beak - the plague doctor mask's trademark feature. The plague doctor mask covered the physician's face in the shape of an oval with two open round holes located in the eyes. The full outfit, which covered the plague doctor from head to foot, consisted of an outer garment tightly enclosed around the mask. ![]() The theory was that it would isolate the physician and prevent direct contact with the bodies of plague victims. It was actually worn by doctors and physicians as a medical uniform, under the supposition it would have protected them from disease when they visited people infected. In the 17th century, a famous French doctor, Charles de L'Orme, perfected the plague doctor mask, giving it the look we recognize today. I also laser cut some smoked acrylic lenses that were just dark enough to make the lenses appear pitch black when the mask is being worn, but allow for great visibility even in low-light environments.Īnd finally the masks were completed! This was an amazing project, and I'm really happy with the overall quality of the finished product.We know only a little about its origins, but it is clear that the plague doctor figure was common throughout Europe since the Middle Age. The entire goggle assembly is then stitched to the mask using the same heaver waxed thread as the rest of the mask. Next the goggles were stitched to leather rings using a lighter weight brown waxed thread. You can also see that they still have a good gap allowing air to flow into the mask and help prevent the goggles from fogging up. Their silver appearance provides a bit of contrast to the aged brass of the goggles, and adds a bit of style. These silver pieces were also weathered with brown and patina green washes to age them a bit. Step 10: Attaching the GogglesĪfter the goggles were painted I attached small metal detail pieces over the vent holes in their sides. To make the goggles look more like real metal I dry-brushed bright gold enamel paint over the edges and high-points of the goggles to simulate metal exposed from wear and use of the goggles.įinally the goggles were sealed with a glossy varnish that deepened the weathering and brought out the metallic qualities. The picture for this step shows the goggles at this point, prior to the following 2 steps that really make them pop. Next a more watered-down wash of a reddish brown was applied, followed by multiple washes of a pale green to give the goggles a nice aged patina. They instantly started looking like aged brass. This leaves dark staining in all the deep scratches and dings, and also leaves small streaks on the surface of the goggles. Next a heavy wash of black acrylic paint was brushed onto the goggles and quickly wiped off with crumpled paper towels. After the paint had cured they were hit once again with the wire brushes to add small scratches in the gold paint. ![]()
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