Over the past year I’ve seen an increase of the number of plague doctor images floating around. Whether it’s from tattoos, or period films, it seems the collective consciousness of North America has started to embrace the image of these notorious doctors. While the time of the plague doctor was certainly before the 1800s, this tattoo by Kerri Kiple from Rendezvous Tattoo & Body Piercing in Marqette, MI takes on an almost late Victorian feel. While I hesitate to use the word, it almost is close to a steampunk interpretation. In any case, it’s a great addition to the Sci-fi and Horror tattoo gallery.
i would say it’s a fine representation of steampunk culture. i know I’ve always been a little infatuated with plague doctors in general. very interesting.
It might have a lot to do with the plague doctor imagery being very prominent in Assasin’s Creed 2, and Brotherhood. Both games were very popular.
http://images.wikia.com/assassinscreed/images/1/1f/Char_doctor.png
I think things like Assassins Creed and Solomon Kane have probably had a lot to do with the surge in popularity. Cultural observations aside this is a beautiful tattoo.
Originals, big fan of this guy :D
http://tombanwell.deviantart.com/art/Dr-Beulenpest-167633212?q=gallery%3Atombanwell%2F9491500&qo=13
http://tombanwell.deviantart.com/art/Leather-Steampunk-Top-Hat-131126500?q=gallery%3Atombanwell%2F9491500&qo=25
it wasn’t originally a steampunk icon though, they did exist, my artist did a more traditional approach a couple years back
http://walyou.com/steampunk-masks-helmets/
Lots of cool masks, the original mask is on this site.
I am so happy this is on my leg :D Kerri did an awesome job
original reference can be found here:
http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_X8kkU30yuvU/TBVsGGfHeTI/AAAAAAAAA6A/GI9idnbh1Qs/s1600/Left+angle+w+top+hat+2.jpg
It would have been nice if you had given the original artist credit, wouldn’t it?
http://tombanwell.blogspot.com/2010/06/dr-beulenpest-mask-is-complete.html
Best, Tom Banwell
Steampunk Artist
Tom, it wasn’t a slight on Rob’s part. The person who submitted the tattoo didn’t give any other credit and I’m sure Rob had no idea who the original artist was, nor did I for that matter. We rely on those submitting the photos to the site to provide us with the proper credits and can only go with what we’re given.
Thanks for the link to your site, you do really amazing work! I’d love to see these in person.
I have a plague doctor tat also! This one is awesome.