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Physionomy Collection

Physiognomy, the art of reading character traits from facial features, has long fascinated scholars and artists alike

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Transition from the monkey to Apollo, illustration from

Transition from the monkey to Apollo, illustration from
CHT252713 Transition from the monkey to Apollo, illustration from Dissertation sur les varietes naturelles qui caracterisent la physionomie, chez H

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Study of Nuns, a Novice and an Abbot (oil on canvas)

Study of Nuns, a Novice and an Abbot (oil on canvas)
JCL177120 Study of Nuns, a Novice and an Abbot (oil on canvas) by German School, (19th century); Musee Joseph Dechelette, Roanne, France; (add.info.: Etude de religieuses)

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: The Man Who Lives by his Wits, no. 28 from Galerie Physionomique

The Man Who Lives by his Wits, no. 28 from Galerie Physionomique
XIR218900 The Man Who Lives by his Wits, no.28 from Galerie Physionomique (coloured engraving) by Travies de Villiers, Charles Joseph (1804-59); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet, Paris

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Anthropometrical police record of Louis Jean-Baptiste Lepine, Prefet de police

Anthropometrical police record of Louis Jean-Baptiste Lepine, Prefet de police
CHT280115 Anthropometrical police record of Louis Jean-Baptiste Lepine, Prefet de police, 11th November 1909 (b/w photo) by French Photographer, (20th century); Musee de la Prefecture de Police

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Phrenological study, from a manuscript of Doctor Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829

Phrenological study, from a manuscript of Doctor Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829
CHT164120 Phrenological study, from a manuscript of Doctor Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829) library (pen and ink on paper) (b/w photo) by French School

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Transition from the monkey to Apollo, illustration from

Transition from the monkey to Apollo, illustration from
CHT252714 Transition from the monkey to Apollo, illustration from Dissertation sur les varietes naturelles qui caracterisent la physionomie, chez H

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Three Studies of Heads (pen, ink & wash on paper)

Three Studies of Heads (pen, ink & wash on paper)
AGN153707 Three Studies of Heads (pen, ink & wash on paper) by Tiepolo, Giovanni Battista (Giambattista) (1696-1770); 25x20.5 cm; Private Collection; Photo eAgnew s, London; Italian, out of copyright

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Influence de la Moralite ou de L Immoralite sur la Physionomie (engraving)

Influence de la Moralite ou de L Immoralite sur la Physionomie (engraving)
3644427 Influence de la Moralite ou de L Immoralite sur la Physionomie (engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info)

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Phrenological study, from a manuscript of Doctor Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829

Phrenological study, from a manuscript of Doctor Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829
CHT164119 Phrenological study, from a manuscript of Doctor Philippe Jean Pelletan (1747-1829) library (pen and ink on paper) (b/w photo) by French School

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Head studies from cartoons at Hampton Court (engraving)

Head studies from cartoons at Hampton Court (engraving)
XJF396066 Head studies from cartoons at Hampton Court (engraving) by Hogarth, William (1697-1764) (after); Private Collection; English, out of copyright

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: I think I shall do well to marry now, no. 30 from Galerie Physionomique

I think I shall do well to marry now, no. 30 from Galerie Physionomique
XIR468147 I think I shall do well to marry now, no.30 from Galerie Physionomique (coloured engraving) by Travies de Villiers, Charles Joseph (1804-59); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee Carnavalet

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Series Croquis d expressions, the bump, plate 26, illustration

Series Croquis d expressions, the bump, plate 26, illustration
XIR287296 Series Croquis d expressions, the bump, plate 26, illustration from Le Charivari, 4th September 1838 (litho) (b/w photo) by Daumier, Honore (1808-79); 19.3x25.8 cm; Bibliotheque Nationale

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Series Les beaux jours de la vie, A happy find, plate 23, illustration

Series Les beaux jours de la vie, A happy find, plate 23, illustration
XIR287285 Series Les beaux jours de la vie, A happy find, plate 23, illustration from Le Charivari, 11th September 1844 (litho) (b/w photo) by Daumier

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: La Potion, Draught, from Galerie physionomique, plate 2 from Le Charivari

La Potion, Draught, from Galerie physionomique, plate 2 from Le Charivari
XIR287283 La Potion, Draught, from Galerie physionomique, plate 2 from Le Charivari, 19th November 1836 (litho) (b/w photo) by Daumier, Honore (1808-79); 23.7x22.6 cm; Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Series Galerie physionomique, Une lecture entrainante, An absorbing subject

Series Galerie physionomique, Une lecture entrainante, An absorbing subject
XIR287282 Series Galerie physionomique, Une lecture entrainante, An absorbing subject, plate 3, illustration from Le Charivari, 25th November 1836 (litho) (b/w photo) by Daumier

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Series Galerie physionomique, Bordeaux Laffite, plate 1, illustration

Series Galerie physionomique, Bordeaux Laffite, plate 1, illustration
XIR287281 Series Galerie physionomique, Bordeaux Laffite, plate 1, illustration from Le Charivari, 17th November 1836 (litho) (b/w photo) by Daumier

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: A true smoker, from the series Galerie physionomique, 1836 (litho) (b / w photo)

A true smoker, from the series Galerie physionomique, 1836 (litho) (b / w photo)
XIR287003 A true smoker, from the series Galerie physionomique, 1836 (litho) (b/w photo) by Daumier, Honore (1808-79); Bibliotheque Nationale, Paris

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Five Visionary Heads of Women, c. 1820 (graphite on paper)

Five Visionary Heads of Women, c. 1820 (graphite on paper)
XYC281168 Five Visionary Heads of Women, c.1820 (graphite on paper) by Blake, William (1757-1827); 27x32.4 cm; Yale Center for British Art, Paul Mellon Collection, USA; English, out of copyright

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Three female heads with one sleeping, 1637 (etching) (b / w photo)

Three female heads with one sleeping, 1637 (etching) (b / w photo)
XIR239544 Three female heads with one sleeping, 1637 (etching) (b/w photo) by Rembrandt Harmensz. van Rijn (1606-69); Musee de la Ville de Paris, Musee du Petit-Palais, France; Dutch, out of copyright

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Caricature Head Study of an Old Man, c. 1500-05 (red chalk on paper)

Caricature Head Study of an Old Man, c. 1500-05 (red chalk on paper)
XKH179072 Caricature Head Study of an Old Man, c.1500-05 (red chalk on paper) by Vinci, Leonardo da (1452-1519); 9.8x8.2 cm; Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany; Italian, out of copyright

Background imagePhysionomy Collection: Two Heads (pen and ink on paper)

Two Heads (pen and ink on paper)
XIR154607 Two Heads (pen and ink on paper) by Vinci, Leonardo da (1452-1519); Louvre, Paris, France; Italian, out of copyright


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Physiognomy, the art of reading character traits from facial features, has long fascinated scholars and artists alike. From Cesare Lombroso's "Specimen of Criminals" to Professor Bertillon photographing "The Assassin of Choisy-le-Roy, " these captivating images offer a glimpse into the world of physiognomy. In one illustration titled "Transition from the monkey to Apollo, " we witness the evolution of human appearance over time. This thought-provoking image reminds us that our physical features have evolved alongside our intellectual capabilities. Another intriguing piece is the oil painting titled "Study of Nuns. " Here, a novice and an abbot are depicted, showcasing how even within religious orders, individuality can be discerned through facial expressions and demeanor. Moving on to Galerie Physionomique's depiction in "The Man Who Lives by his Wits, " we see how this pseudoscience was applied in criminal investigations. By analyzing criminals' faces and body measurements like Louis Jean-Baptiste Lepine's anthropometrical police record, authorities attempted to identify potential threats or patterns among offenders. Phrenology also played a role in understanding human behavior through cranial shape analysis. Doctor Philippe Jean Pelletan's manuscript showcases this study with intricate illustrations depicting different phrenological aspects. Furthermore, Hampton Court's head studies provide insight into caricature art as it explores various exaggerated facial expressions for comedic effect. These cartoons demonstrate how physiognomy can be used not only for scientific purposes but also as a means of artistic expression. Lastly, an engraving titled "Influence de la Moralite ou de L'Immoralite sur la Physionomie" delves into the connection between morality and facial features. It raises questions about whether one's character can truly be determined solely by their physical appearance or if there are deeper complexities at play.