Excerpt from “Liber Medicorum Exorcistae” (1668). Section IV: On Physicians Permitted to Serve under the Authority of the Sacred Congregation During Times of Plague.

“His appearance was austere and unchanging: his face covered in darkened leather, his form obscured. He was not a herald of the medical guild, but acted by order of the Church, with the authority to observe, purify, and bear witness. He was permitted to enter the homes of the dying without confession, bearing a cross before him and a prayer upon his lips - not his own.”

The presented mask reproduces the image of the so-called medicus fidei - a physician appointed by ecclesiastical authority in specific cases of contagion within Catholic territories. According to surviving descriptions, such figures fulfilled not only the role of healers but also that of spiritual overseers, entrusted with the condition of the soul as much as the body.

The engraving’s composition reflects the core intent of this office: the central focus lies upon a symbol of protection, prayer, and silent vigilance. Below, a physician bearing a cross is depicted facing a burial ground - a sign of duty carried to its end. The sequence concludes with the same figure, now reduced to bone, yet retaining posture - a reminder of inevitability.

Minor ornamental details correspond with known emblems of medicine, purification, and spiritual charge. The mask is handcrafted using techniques closely aligned with historical methods, and stands as an artifact of symbolic craftsmanship from the late 17th century.

The engraved surface of the mask is arranged according to a triadic scheme often found in liturgical and devotional art of the late 17th century. Within it, no image exists independently - each is part of a hierarchical system intended to affirm a central idea: the union of earthly duty, spiritual oversight, and inevitable reckoning.

Positioned within a circular frame - resembling a medallion or reliquary - the female figure with hands joined in prayer serves as the visual center of the composition. In the iconographic language of the time, this image was understood as a sign of intercession, a reminder of a saintly presence mediating between the afflicted and the divine. The Latin inscriptions encircling the medallion are not intended for direct reading, but serve a rhetorical function - drawing the eye inward and affirming the sanctity of the central position.

Below, aligned along the same vertical axis, stands the figure clad in the traditional garments of a plague doctor. In his right hand he holds a cross, extended forward - toward a landscape marked by rows of Catholic graves. This is not an allegory, but a depiction of service. The figure stands between the living and the dead, between the execution of duty and the approach of the end. His posture and gaze direct the viewer toward a path not broken by death, but completed by fulfillment.

The final element in the sequence is a mirrored rendering of the same figure - with one change: the face is now a skull. The clothing, posture, and held object remain unchanged. The significance lies not in destruction, but in the preservation of form after the loss of substance. This is not the image of one struck down, but of one who has completed his path. In the writings of the period, such representations were accompanied by formulas affirming constancy of service - usque ad mortem - unto death.

In the ornamental fields surrounding the principal figures are motifs known from both medical treatises and mystical texts of the late medieval period. These do not form an independent narrative, but support the central iconographic burden - serving as secondary yet necessary links in the overall structure.

Each mask is handcrafted in our workshop, combining centuries-old traditions with modern technology. This is not just an accessory—it’s an artifact that tells its own story through unique symbols and designs.

3mm Genuine Leather: Strength, durability, and comfort.

Adjustable Fit: Straps are easily customizable to fit any head size.

Handcrafted Excellence: Each mask is made by hand with meticulous attention to detail.

Original Design: Unique engraving you won’t find anywhere else.

Long-Lasting Durability: Genuine leather and premium craftsmanship ensure years of use.

Shape Retention: The mask maintains its form even after extended use.

Hypoallergenic: Natural leather is skin-safe and irritation-free.

Versatility: Perfect for events, photoshoots, or as a collector’s item.

High-Quality Engraving: Patterns that won’t fade or wear off over time.

Reinforced Stitching: Every seam is hand-stitched with durable, heavy-duty threads.

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