תמונות בעמוד
PDF
ePub
[graphic]

to the Creator, by rendering it unlike his image. Who, therefore, can judge better of the works and actions of man, who less offend or be offended, who more clearly develop cause and effect, than the physiognomist, possessed of a full portion of this knowledge and sensation?

CHAP. V.

Description of Plates I and II.

We shall occasionally introduce some figures, in order to support and elucidate those opinions and propositions which may be advanced. These plates refer to objects that have been already alluded to in the preceding pages.

Description of Plate I. Number 1.
Number 1. See the

Frontispiece.

This is a boldly sketched portrait of ALBERT DURER. Whoever examines this countenance, cannot but perceive in it the traits of fortitude, deep penetration, determined perseverance, and inventive genius. At least, every one will acknowledge the truth of these observations, when made.

Number 2. MONCRIEF.

There are few men capable of observation, who will class this visage withe stupid. In the aspect, the eye, the nose especially, and the

mouth, are proofs, not to be mistaken, of the accomplished gentleman, and the man of taste.

Number 3. JOHNSON.

The most unpractised eye will easily discover, in this sketch of Johnson, the acute, the comprehensive, the capacious mind, not easily deceived, and rather inclined to suspicion than credulity.

Number 4. SHAKSPEARE.

How deficient must all outlines be! Among ten thousand can one be found that is exact? Where is the outline that can pourtray genius? Yet who does not read, in this outline, imperfect as it is, from pure physiognomonical sensation, the clear, the capacious, the rapid mind, all conceiving, all embracing, that, with equal swift-| ness and facility, imagines, creates, produces?

Number 5. STERNE.

The most unpractised reader in physiognomy will not deny to this countenance all the keen, the searching penetration of wit, the most oriof inginal fancy, full of fire, and the vention. Who is so dull as not to view, in this countenance, somewhat of the spirit of poor

Yorick ?

powers

Number 6. S. CLARKE.

Perspicuity, benevolence, dignity, serenity, dispassionate meditation, the powers of conception

and perseverance, are the most apparent characteristics of this countenance. He who can hate such a face, must laboriously counteract all those physiognomonical sensations with which he was

born.

Description of Plate II.

Hitherto we have beheld nature in the most perfect of her productions; we must now view the reverse: we must proceed to contemplate her in her deformity. In this also, how intelligibly does she speak to the eyes of all, at the first glance!

Number 1.

Who does not here read reason debased, and stupidity almost sunken to brutality? This eye, these wrinkles of a lowering forehead, this projecting mouth, the whole position of the head, do they not all denote manifest dulness and debility?

Number 2. A Fool.

From the small eyes in this figure, the open mouth, particularly from the under part of the countenance, no man whatever will expect penetration, reasoning, or wisdom.

Number 3.

True or false, nature or caricature, this countenance will, to the common sensations of all men, depict an inhuman and brutal character. It is impossible that brutality should be over

D

looked in the nose and mouth, or in the eye, though still it deserves to be called a human eye.

Number 4.

Let us proceed to the characters of passion, which are intelligible to every child; so that concerning these there can be no dispute, if we are in any degree acquainted with their language. The more violent the passion is, the more apparent are its signs. The effect of the stiller passions is to contract, and of the violent to distend the muscles. Every one will perceive, in this countenance, fear mingled with abhorrence.

Number 5.

No man will expect cheerfulness, tranquillity, content, strength of mind, and magnanimity, from this countenance. Fear and terror are here strongly marked.

Number 6.

Terror, heightened by native indocility of character, is here strongly marked.

Such examples might be produced without end; but to adduce some of the most decisive of the various classes, is sufficient. We shall give some farther specimens hereafter.

« הקודםהמשך »