PHYSIOGNOMY

Report by: J. Leal and M. Soriano

1 WHAT
IS
PHYSIOGNOMY?
Let’s start with the first set of slides
Definition of physiognomy
￮ Physiognomy refers to a person’s facial features or
expression, especially when these are considered as
indicative of character or ethnic origin.

￮ It gives the idea that the outward appearance of

anything or of a face offers some insights into its
character.

￮ It is also called anthroposcopy, the art of determining

character or personal characteristics from the form or
features of the body, especially the face. 3
“
The face is the mirror of the
mind, and the eyes without
speaking confess the secrets
of the heart.
- St. Jerome

4
Typical illustration in a 19th century book about physiognomy (on the left: "Utter despair", and on the
right: "Anger mixed with fear"). 5
 Physiognomy was most famously popularized in the late
18th century by the Swiss poet Johann Lavater and Michel
de Montaigne, a French essayist.

Johann Lavater Michel de Montaigne

He’s most well known for his work He was one of the most
in the field of physiognomy, significant philosophers of the
Physiognomische Fragmente zur French Renaissance. He’s known
Beförderung der for popularizing the essay as a
Menschenkenntnis und literary genre.
Menschenliebe, published
between 1775 and 1778. He
introduced the idea that
physiognomy related to the
specific character traits of
individuals, rather than general 6
types
 The Four Temperaments

Image of woodcut from Physiognomische Fragmente zur Beförderung der 7

Menschenkenntnis und Menschenliebe (1775-1778) by Johann Kaspar Lavater.
Phlegmatic and choleric (above), sanguine and melancholic (below)
IT’S UP TO
U
ERIKA :D
 SEATWORK 
1. What is physiognomy? (3pts.)
2. Who were the 2 writers who popularized physiognomy? (2 pts.)
3. Enumerate the 4 temperaments. (4pts.)
4. Name the writer who popularized essay as a literary genre. (1 pt.)