A new exhibition focused on contagious diseases throughout history and the impact they have had on the world has been opened at Rijksmuseum Boerhaave in the Netherlands, and it was delayed because of COVID-19.

 

The exhibition includes both scientific objects and art works. Visitors can see a plague doctor’s outfit from the 17th century made from raw silk that has been hand-colored with pigments from walnut husks and adorned with embroidery. It has even been impregnated with the DNA of plague bacteria. There is also a more modern protective suit with face coverings on display. Other items include a wax casting of a face showing symptoms of the plague, and a silver child’s rattle that was superstitiously said to have granted the young immunity from disease.