cool suit

[cantdog]

Medieval and later-era plague suit, re-creation. Outfits of this type, worn by medieval physicians and made of cloth or leather, were uniquely associated with the plague in Europe. In addition to serving as a probable physical barrier to the plague pathogen, the suits had symbolic significance. The ability of birds to travel between earth and sky may have represented mediation between the earth and heaven. The costume's bird-like beak contained spices and vinegar-soaked cloth to mask the stench of death and decay and make the physicians' work less unbearable.

 

[lilith1979]

Interesting, thanks for sharing.

 

[cantdog]

I'm making it for Hallowe'en, it looks pretty dire.

 

[gauchecritic]

If I recall correctly, at least one of the torturers in Ken Russell's (?) 'The Devils' wore something similar, if only the mask.

Amazing I should recall that when the only thing I can vividly picture from that film is the naked Georgina Hale.

Gauche

 

[Guest]

Cant, I have the mask (purchased in Venice o'course), wish I could lend it to you. It's one of the common ones worn for Carnivale and called il medico. "Doctors" truly believed it protected them. P.

 

[cantdog]

It's such a nightmare image, Bosch-esque.

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

Does anybody remember the 1995 film Restoration starring Robert Downey Jr?

There were several scenes illustrating the use of physicians' contagion suits used during the London plague of 1666.

 

[cantdog]

Well, I guess maybe nobody does. It's certainly been a while since you asked.

 

[shereads]

Medieval and later-era plague suit, re-creation. Outfits of this type, worn by medieval physicians and made of cloth or leather, were uniquely associated with the plague in Europe. In addition to serving as a probable physical barrier to the plague pathogen, the suits had symbolic significance. The ability of birds to travel between earth and sky may have represented mediation between the earth and heaven. The costume's bird-like beak contained spices and vinegar-soaked cloth to mask the stench of death and decay and make the physicians' work less unbearable.

Yeesh. Imagine if the biohazard guys came to check your local post office dressed like that.

Don't I recognize that as one of the masked-ball costumes from Amadeus?

 

[sincerely_helene]

Quite the pecker on that bird.

 

[cantdog]

Woo woo. He's got a big pecker-- and he's a doctor!

 

[sincerely_helene]

Woo woo. He's got a big pecker-- and he's a doctor!

Mom will be so proud!

(I just hope he won't try to suck my toes like the last one.)

 

[ABSTRUSE]

I wore that on my wedding day.

 

[sincerely_helene]

I wore that on my wedding day.

The doctor, or the pecker?

 

[OhMissScarlett]

Does anybody remember the 1995 film Restoration starring Robert Downey Jr?

There were several scenes illustrating the use of physicians' contagion suits used during the London plague of 1666.

I was trying to remember what film that was in! Thanks Burley.

Also, it kind of reminds me of the Disney Robin Hood cartoon where Robin dresses up like a stork for the archery contest.

 

[ABSTRUSE]

The doctor, or the pecker?

The whole ensemble, it should have been a sign.

 

[cantdog]

Big Pecker billboards:

I'm a doctor and the biggest prick you'll ever meet!

er sumthin

"I'm patient with stupidity, but not with those who are proud of it."

* Dame Edith Sitwell

 

[minsue]

Does anybody remember the 1995 film Restoration starring Robert Downey Jr?

There were several scenes illustrating the use of physicians' contagion suits used during the London plague of 1666.

One of my favorite movies. It was the first thing that came to mind when I saw the pic, too.

 

[cantdog]

And the Amadeus thing is right, too.

And afterward, I will still have the hat!

 

[Virtual_Burlesque]

So, Cantdog,

Do we get to see your Halloween Costurme?

Meanwhile . . .

Plague Doctor’s Uniform

I found the History on the Net information page about the Plague Doctor’s Uniform from the time of Charles II.


Link