Photographic series by Stephan GLADIEU produced in March – April 2020 in Paris during confinement.
In the 17th century, faced with the scourge of the bubonic plague, the first doctor of Louis XIII fashioned a protective suit allowing him to treat the sick while keeping his distance. This “Plague Doctor” costume was immediately recognizable to all as a figure of authority and knowledge.
Imagined by Doctor Charles de Lorme in 1619, it consists of skin breeches and leather boots, a large cape surmounted by a plastron covering up the shoulders, gloves, hat and glasses and a mask enhanced with an exuberant nose in the shape of a beak – filled with aromatic and medicinal herbs – the length of which would allow the air to be purified before reaching the respiratory system of the carers. Doctor Plague did not move without his staff which allowed him to reach the sick, rich or poor, from afar…
