Plague Doctor Outfit

Beaked mask and waxed coat of the plague physician

The plague doctor outfit is the protective costume worn by physicians treating bubonic plague victims in 17th-century Europe — among the most bizarre medical garments in history. Designed in 1619 by French court physician Charles de Lorme, it comprises a long bird-beaked mask, an ankle-length waxed leather coat, wide-brimmed hat, long gloves, boots, and a staff. Pre-germ-theory medicine attributed disease to "miasma" (bad air), so the beak was stuffed with dried herbs, spices, and vinegar-soaked cloth to filter inhaled air. Glass eye-holes preserved vision; the waxed leather sealed off skin contact. Although built on mistaken theory, the outfit happened to block droplets and fleas effectively. The staff let doctors examine patients without touching them. Preserved and aestheticized through Venetian Carnival's medico della peste mask, the plague doctor became the iconic image of death, pestilence, and mysterious alchemy in gothic fantasy, steampunk, and horror.