A historical illustration of a 17th-century plague doctor. The figure is dressed in a long, red robe with gloves and black shoes. A wide-brimmed black hat sits atop the head, and the iconic beaked mask with round eye lenses covers the face. The doctor holds a long stick, used to maintain distance from patients. The image reflects the traditional protective attire worn during plague outbreaks, designed to prevent the transmission of disease.

A physician wearing a 17th-century plague preventive. 1910. Wellcome Collection.