tattoos contain some of the most unique, old and cool designs that many tattoo lovers may not know about. The plague doctor tattoo is one of the oldest tattoos developed mainly in the American and European regions after the plague struck Western Europe in the 17th century. People considered the plague doctors to be the saviors of that generation, as they saved hundreds of thousands of people from one of the deadliest plague outbreaks.
These doctors would wear a unique costume that includes a bird mask with a long beak pointing outward and full black suits. This is quite an old tattoo, but many middle-aged men still have it. Many youngsters also get this tattoo as the look and story behind the plague doctor tattoo is quite exciting. Plus, it gives the perfect fierce look. So, are you ready to get such an old and intriguing body tag? In that case, you should stick around and check out these awesome plague doctor tattoo ideas and the historical and realistic meanings behind this tattoo.
the meaning behind the plague doctor tattoos
Plague doctor tattoos have a very dense and dark vibe, which is why many goth lovers opt for this tattoo. The bird-shaped masks that the plague doctor used to wear were among the highlights that add a lot of meaning to the tattoo. Italian doctors were the first to wear these masks in 1348. The purpose of the long-beaked masks was to contain different spices, herbs, and dried flowers to keep them safe from the plague. This was recommended by experts, since the plague could be transmitted by breathing through the air.
The bird-shaped mask in this tattoo symbolizes terror and darkness, as the plague was quite deadly, claiming nearly 100,000 lives. the plague was also known as the “black death”, giving off deadly vibes and is perfect for those feeling hopeless right now.
plague doctors have great meaning as they symbolize the herald of death. the doctors were unable to cure the disease, but the fact that they appeared in unique dark suits caught people’s attention. People who get this tattoo often believe that they cannot escape fate and that everything that is destined to happen will come true.
If you have been a lover of halloween and horror movies since childhood, this tattoo is something that you will surely not miss. The plague doctor tattoo is the only tattoo that offers a dark and suspenseful meaning, and who doesn’t love suspense in their tattoo? these meanings are quite relatable in today’s world, as even today, it’s not all rainbows and unicorns. Due to the coronavirus outbreak around the world, many people feel hopeless and scared. and this plague doctor tattoo is something that goes very well with the current situation.
ideal location for plague doctor tattoos
These tattoos do not have a specific placement requirement; you can choose to tattoo your plague doctor wherever you want. but it depends on your tattoo design. The most common locations for plague doctor tattoos are the arm and calf. the deadly standing position of the plague doctor suits the arm and calf and goes exceptionally well. You can also choose to get the plague doctor tattooed on your back or chest.
If you are just going for the mask look then you can get it tattooed on your chest or neck. the placement completely depends on the design and your level of comfort in sporting a tattoo. sometimes choosing the right location gets a bit tricky. The best way to choose the right location is by first deciding on your tattoo design, and then you can choose a location accordingly. no matter where you get the plague doctor tattoo inked, it will always give off a deadly hollow vibe if that’s what you’re after.
plague tattoo ideas
plague doctor portrait tattoo
This plague doctor portrait tattoo is one of the most sophisticated tattoos you will come across while also producing an exciting terrifying effect. This tattoo includes a black and gray portrait of the plague doctor, with perfect details. The doctor wears a black and brown inked hat that looks as realistic as ever. Under the hat, you’ll notice a few wisps of curly white hair sticking out, showing that the doctor is quite old.
the details of the mask are impeccable. The artist has put a lot of effort into giving this tattoo a realistic touch. To create a portrait-like appearance, the artist has created a circular feature around the plague doctor, indicating that it is a frame.
female plague doctor tattoo
Most of the plague doctor tattoos you’ll come across have masculine traits. there is no proof that the female doctors also wore that long-beaked bird mask. but this tattoo portrays a woman wearing a bird mask. This tattoo features a bird mask inked in black and grey, and below that, you can see strands of hair sticking out with some flowers on the side, inked in grey. the doctor also carries a flask and has covered her head with a long gray cloth. there are many features present in this tattoo that bring out a feminine touch.
monochrome plague doctor tattoo
If you want to go from something small and dramatic, you should try the monochrome plague doctor tattoo. This tattoo includes only the plague doctor’s mask inked in black, with a small hat and a piece of wood going through one eye. the monochrome technique works perfectly well in this tattoo as the artist has achieved a fantastic black shading. This tattoo is quite versatile and would look great anywhere on your body.
colourful plague doctor tattoo
Most plague doctor tattoos contain bold, black ink, but you can switch things up by trying out this colored plague doctor tattoo. This tattoo features a gray inked plague doctor holding an automatic syringe pointing upwards. The main feature of this tattoo is the color tattooed in the background to create an ombre and smoky effect.
The tattoo artist used bottle green and blue ink in the background, perfect for the smoky effect. the same is reflected in the eyes of the plague doctor. Not to mention that this color complements this tattoo design very well. you can always change the color to your preference. Other colors that would look amazing in this tattoo include red, purple, pink, and many more.
line plague doctor tattoo
Tattoos include many different techniques that make them unique and fun to get. So if you want to add a unique touch to your tattoo then you can try this line plague doctor tattoo. incorporates a plague doctor standing and pointing his pointed finger made of lines. The tattoo artist has successfully used the line technique to bring out the creepy feature of this tattoo. It also includes some different lines inked in black around the plague doctor’s head, which adds a fun and creative touch to this tattoo.
frequently asked questions
why does the plague doctor mask have long spikes?
The reason for the long beaks was to protect doctors from contracting the plague since they were in contact with people affected by it. this spike protected them from deadly diseases and included different spices, herbs and dried leaves to act as a shield or protective barrier against the plague.
how did they address the plague doctors?
When plague doctors began to provide their services, they were known as medico della peste. You could also name your tattoo that if you plan on getting a plague doctor tattoo.
how much will my plague doctor tattoo cost?
The cost of a plague doctor tattoo depends on the size and design of the tattoo. the bigger the tattoo, the more you will have to pay. Most plague doctor tattoos include some out of this world detail and shading; therefore, you can expect to pay a higher price for this tattoo than for other tattoos. the cost also depends on the tattoo parlor you go to. Some tattoo parlors charge by the hour; therefore, this makes a big difference in price.
how long will it take to get a plague doctor tattoo?
The time required to complete your plague doctor tattoo depends on a few factors including size, design, location, and the skills of the tattoo artist. The larger the tattoo, the longer it will take, especially if you get it on a sensitive spot that is causing you a lot of pain. It takes a maximum of 2-3 hours for a medium sized plague doctor tattoo. however, it can sometimes last up to 6 hours if a lot of detail is required in the tattoo.
to go
With the help of these few plague doctor tattoo ideas, you can now achieve the perfect gloomy and scary look on your tattoo just in time for halloween. Check all the designs carefully and choose the one that suits you best!
