The meaning and sketches of the "Plague Doctor" tattoo
Some time ago, tattoos with images of the virus and doctors have become popular. Moreover, the latter often look like a medieval plague doctor. The article will discuss how and in what style the image will look best, in which zone to fill it in order to emphasize your individuality. And also we will consider sketches of such a tattoo for men and girls on various parts of the body.
The meaning of a tattoo
Remembering the history of medieval Europe, it can be noted that various diseases were frequent guests of that time. Unsanitary conditions, overpopulation of cities, low standard of living are the main factors causing diseases. The largest epidemic of the 14th century was the bubonic plague, which claimed the lives of a third of the population of Europe, sparing neither nobles nor ordinary people. The Plague Doctor is a product of medical evolution in those years. An ominous leather suit, consisting of a long cloak, gloves, high boots, a wide-brimmed hat and a mask with a bird's beak and red eyepieces instead of eyes, served as a harbinger of both inevitable death and the hope of healing. The work of the plague doctor was very hard, he had to not only heal the sick with the "black death", but also burn corpses and houses to prevent the spread of the epidemic. The famous Nostradamus was also a plague doctor, and this is a historical fact.
This image is most common in European countries and countries of the former Soviet republics, which is quite logical, because the rest of the world was not familiar with the disease and its dire consequences.
The meaning of the "Plague Doctor" tattoo is twofold. From one point of view, it means destiny.A person's conviction of the fatalism of life, the predetermination of everything that happens and the impossibility of changing the future. Such a person simply goes with the flow, not daring to change something.
The second meaning of the tattoo is the call of death. In the Middle Ages, it was believed that death was the eternal companion of the plague doctor. And based on this, it can be argued that a person who has filled such a tattoo is not afraid of death, is ready to meet it without regrets, but will not give up without a fight.
Regardless of the general meaning of the image, you can come up with your own interpretation, for example, as a victory over a serious illness.
Who is it for?
Such a tattoo is considered universal and is suitable for both men and women. The main thing is to pick up a sketch of the image that you want to portray on the body. A specialist in the salon will help you create the most harmonious pattern that will reflect your individuality and uniqueness.
It is believed that men who have chosen this image are sarcastic, indifferent to the affairs and problems of society, rebels, unrecognized geniuses and talented inventors.
Women who wear such a tattoo are characterized as alienated from life, they are considered skeptics with a fair amount of black humor.
Sketch options
Currently, there are a large number of sketches of such a tattoo. Let's consider the various drawings in style and plot in more detail.
By style
The Plague Doctor tattoo is such a versatile image that it fits perfectly into many styles. Most often, the drawing is performed in the style of realism. When choosing such a style, the master requires not only artistic taste, but also considerable experience in applying the image. This style is characterized by a realistic image, a smooth transition of light and shadow, as well as the absence of hard and large outlines.
Very often, such a tattoo is stuffed in the style of a graphic. The name of the style speaks for itself and represents just graphic drawings.
The style of thrash polka is also relevant. It is characterized by the gloom of the plots, most often two colors are used: black for the base, and red for accents. Thrash polka can be translated as “the dance of death”, and only a fine-feeling artist can find a balance between aesthetics and unsightly in this style.
There are also plague doctor and new school tattoos. They are characterized by bright acid colors and some cartoonish performance. The inevitability of fate is emphasized by either blackwork or traditional techniques. The black humor of the image is also reflected in the technique of old school, engraving or baroque.
By plot
The plot of the tattoo largely depends on the chosen style. A sketch of the "Plague Doctor" can be supplemented with many elements: depict him with a lantern in his hand, with a clock, with roses or lilies, even with a scythe. The doctor is often depicted with birds, especially with a raven - the second harbinger of death. Quite good sketches with candles, but they can be interpreted in different ways. The first option says that there is no hope, and death has already come. Another reading says that we are alive as long as the flame of a candle burns.
Gorgeous looks are obtained in the style of trash polka with crosses, a crimson moon and the appearance of a plague doctor, sparkling with scarlet eye sockets.
Where to apply?
The tattoo is applied to almost any part of the body: on the forearm and on the shoulders, on the calves, on the upper chest, on the thigh, on the side of the body. The sleeve with the plague doctor looks beautiful. Recently, tattoos are increasingly common, where half is stuffed on one leg or arm, and the other half is on the other, and when the legs or arms are joined together, the whole picture is visible.
The choice of the location of the tattoo for men and women is the same and depends only on preferences, anatomical features and hereditary diseases.
For example, with varicose veins, it is undesirable to make a tattoo on the legs, as you can spoil the image. The pattern can perfectly disguise scars and unsuccessfully filled images. It is also necessary to take into account the size of the tattoo and your pain threshold, otherwise there is a risk that the image will remain incomplete.
Men often stuff their sleeves, apply to the back or calves. Women give preference to the area of the shoulder, forearm and scapula.
Interesting examples
Here are some examples of Plague Doctor tattoos in different styles and with different themes.
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The sketch is made in the style of realism. A very minimalistic monochrome drawing will suit any area of the body for both men and women.
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A controversial image, but still quite unusual. The attractive and disgusting thrash polka style will not leave anyone indifferent.
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A great example of a tattoo on the forearm or calf, especially if you want to visually lengthen it. The technique of drawing a character is available even for a beginner.
- Bright new school sleeve tattoo. Original and very cute. The colors are matched with a subtle artistic taste.
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Another very good example in the thrash polka style. The master created a mesmerizing drawing, where wide red strokes look like blood, which everywhere accompanies the plague doctor.
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A symbolic sketch that speaks of the decay of life - withering roses and ravens in a plague mask. Perfect for cynical skeptics.
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The drawing is rather unusual due to the mixture of modernity and the Middle Ages. This mix is suitable for creative and creative individuals.
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Mystical and even sinister image of a tattoo will be appreciated not only by lovers of the occult, but also by extraordinary personalities.
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Another image with a reminder of the inevitability of death.
The image of the plague doctor has always been mystified and shrouded in mystery. It is best to discuss the choice of a sketch, style and area of application with the tattoo artist.
It is believed that this tattoo is chosen by extraordinary personalities, rebels with a fair amount of sarcasm and skepticism. Not everyone around will be able to accept such an image, but remember that only you determine the meaning of the drawing.