Title

The Black Death Physician

Creator

Raee, Joille

Abstract

The painting depicts a medieval physician in the middle wearing a long leather robe and a ‘headpiece’ that resembles the beak of a bird, filled with herbs. The recipe of herbs was believed to protect against poisoned air or miasma. The physician is seen holding a book with an image of human anatomy and a heart which represents an attempt to understand the disease. In the other hand the physician is holding scissors which represents the medieval ways to treat the sick.

In the top right, fire is depicted as it represents chaos and destruction. In the bottom right two rats are spotted as they are the image of the black death. However, the rats weren't the cause of the disease, but they carried fleas that were infected with the bacterium yersinia pestis that caused the infection. In front of the physician is a coffin that represents death.

Keywords

Attire

Death

Physician

Subject

interdisciplinary

Date Available

May 23, 2025

Type

Painting

Course

HSE 2210 The White Rider

Course Offering Term

Summer Term, 2024

Instructor

Valahas, Michael

Session

Honors Creative Projects

Location

Student Lounge

Event

Year 2025 | 9th Annual Student Research and Creative Arts Symposium