14th Century Plague Doctor

Doctor Schnabel von Rom (doctor Schnabel of Rome)
Work by Paul Fürst 1656

During the period of the Black Death plague doctors wore a special uniform to help prevent themselves getting infected. A hat was worn to identify the wearer as a doctor, the beak of the mask was filled with herbs and spices to “purify” the air and the stick was used to push away patients that got too close. The inside of the gown was waxed and the doctor wore full length boots.