In this face we may search in vain for a single expression of frankness;
this slightly-projecting chin, when accompanied with small, penetrating
eyes, denotes the absence of sincerity. There is no display of
benevolence in this oblique mouth; and avarice reveals itself in these
close-locked lips. Combine all these features, and they result in a
cunning, deceitful, avaricious, and not merely firm, but stubborn, old
fellow.
Such a man moves quick, and speaks slowly and circumspectly; for
suspicion is the mainspring of his character.
Here is the head of a man well calculated for business; the upper part
of his head has great elevation, which is an unerring characteristic of
a calculating, deep-thinking mind; his forte lies in those sciences
which demand precision, profundity, and unwearied application; he may be
a good geometrician, but not a poet—never can he rise to sublimity; his
features, however, do not represent the firmness and severity which are
so obvious in a subsequent head; (No. XV.;) a sanguine temperament
predominates, and hints at a propensity for pleasure, so powerful as
often to withdraw his attention from serious affairs.
We are struck, at the first glance, with the air of probity which is
observable in this face; the mouth expresses, at once, kindness,
delicacy, and experience; the chin, gently projecting, and triangular,
marks a mind firm without obstinacy, and a benevolent heart. Although
the forehead and nose give no assurance of greatness, (for there is too
deep a cavity between them,) still they denote understanding: a mouth
which, like this, has a straight aperture, almost concealing the edge
of the lips, always designates a man of application, and one fond of
regularity and neatness.
Here we may behold the characteristics of love of order, and attention
to method; in this mouth, closely shut, and hiding the edge of the lips,
are depicted application and regularity. The lower part of the face
recedes a little: this is an indication of a man of discretion, modesty,
gravity, and reserve. He is not pleased with a book unless it is written
clearly and methodically: he never rises to poetic invention, or
overleaps the boundaries of scrupulous exactness.
The hand-writing of a man of this description will be small and regular;
his gait leisurely and solemn, and his conversation not brilliant, but
clear, concise, and sensible.
Here are indelibly depicted a dull and narrow intellect, self-conceit,
and the grossest ignorance. We may observe that a nose of this form, in
connexion with thick lips, is always a prognostic of obstinacy; still
more if the forehead be also perpendicular; and, above all, if the
occiput, instead of being arched, is concave. And here we may apply this
general rule, that every remarkable concavity denotes a defect in the
corresponding organ.
This countenance has been disfigured by intemperance, as is apparent
from every feature; nature never formed a nose like this; these lips,
these wrinkles, are all expressive of insatiable thirst; the glance of
the eye has lost its native energy.
The nose and cheeks of a person addicted to intoxication are almost
always red, and the edges of the eyelids are often tinged with the same
colour; in general, the skin, especially under the chin, is flaccid and
wrinkled.
The original of this portrait is one who knows how to enjoy life like a
wise man; if he is not nice in his pleasures, he, at least, does not
carry them to excess. The cast of his mind presupposes gentleness,
rather than harshness—dignity, rather than elevation—firmness of
character, rather than violence of passion—transient irritation, rather
than continued resentment. The eyebrow fully expresses the decree to
which a choleric temperament prevails, and the eye is a compound of the
melancholic and phlegmatic characters; the same mixture is again
apparent in the contour of the face from the ear to the chin; but the
whole profile, taken in connexion, exhibits a sanguine ground, relieved
with a choleric tint. (Extract from Lavatory.)
Sternness is engraven upon these features; the wrinkles in the vicinity
of the eyes, and, particularly, those at the root of the nose, the
salient angle formed by the lower part of the cheeks near the mouth—all
announce harshness and insensibility; the elevation of the chin
designates a certain degree of energy, and the shape of the forehead
denotes coolness and reflection, but it gives no indication of
docility.
Melancholy evidently predominates in this physiognomy.
This animated eye, this voluptuous mouth, and these eyebrows gently
arched, characterize a sanguine man; an expressive countenance, eyes
often blue, and always quick, usually indicate this character. He is
easily moved; slight circumstances agitate him, but he is soon composed.
As his features always express his feelings, it is difficult for him to
deceive. He is not vindictive, but is susceptible of the soft emotions
of pity. Love rules him with despotic sway, though he may sometimes be
accused of inconstancy.
This forehead indicates both genius and folly—this, at the first
glance, may appear a contradiction; but the termination of the frontal
sinus in a point—an almost infallible mark of folly—renders the
position less paradoxical.
A man of such a countenance speaks quickly, talks incoherently, and is
often absent, or in a deep reverie.
Here we see a countenance that evinces a capacity for great
achievements—in which patriotism and heroic virtue, worthy of ancient
Rome, are distinguishable; but it must be observed, that although it
promises fair, still it marks the man to be liable to the failings of
humanity, and often subject to be hurried by violence of passion, and
false notions of honour, beyond the bounds of reason.
This aquiline nose, curved at the root, is indicative of an imperious
and fiery temper; the cavity at the base of the forehead is not
sufficiently large, and there is too slight a projection of the bone of
the eye;—hence we may predict, that if the person of whom we are
speaking takes to improper courses, it will be difficult to restore him
to the path of rectitude.
This is a head in which the observer will recognise a philosopher; but
he may search in vain for indications of courage—still less for that
heroic boldness which is the parent of brilliant achievement; the
outline of the nose, which is without swell or compass, and the sinking
at its root, which is too wide and deep, forbid such an inference. There
is, however, observable in this face, a delicacy of sentiment easy to be
wounded, and it indicates a mind qualified for profound and philosophic
researches.
Phlegmatic people are generally distinguishable by the following
signs:—the contour of their features is plump and round, but neither
bold nor prominent; their eyebrows are small and elevated, and their
lips soft and thick; these characteristics are always accompanied with
blue and vacant eyes: the head, in persons of this description, is often
round; and the skin almost white and colourless; their hair is generally
of a light or chesnut colour, and curls spontaneously; their convex
forehead proclaims them incapable of energy; and they are very
frequently stout, tall, and plump: it would seem as though nature had
been beneficent to the body at the expense of the mind, so sluggishly
does the latter perform its functions; and yet the exertions of the
former are equally dull and spiritless.
This broad, square forehead, betokens a strong memory, and a fund of
good sense; but its perpendicular form denotes a degree of inflexibility
which may degenerate into obstinacy; the slight projection of the lower
lip, and the flatness of the chin, are indicative of good nature.
This is the visage of a prudent, discerning man; of one devoid of poetic
genius, and whose writings will never attain to sublimity; but,
persevering and resolute, he can turn his mind to every subject, and
may render himself conspicuous in a deliberative assembly; he is
peculiarly calculated for profound and laborious investigation.
This is the physiognomy of one designed by nature to be a man of
business; he does not possess the forehead of a poet, nor of one whose
impetuous imagination transcends the barriers of cold reason; but its
elevation and roundness at the summit, are proofs of a sedate, cool, and
reflecting mind. The nose announces firmness—benevolence is imprinted
on the mouth; but the bold shape of the lips betrays a slight
disposition to choler. This chin denotes a man incapable of violating a
trust, or betraying the confidence reposed in him, and it would seem as
if he had been formed to be essentially useful: as a man of business, a
lawyer, or a merchant, his probity and integrity will always render him
respectable.
Firmness, judgment, and profundity, are the most striking
characteristics of this countenance. The bony formation of the head
shows that this person possesses a constancy of mind not easy to be
shaken: what he has once grasped will never escape him, and he will
always advance straight forward to the point. His materials will be
disposed with diligence and reflection, but without taste. His forehead,
however, is too concave, which lessens the superiority of his
character.
This phisiognomy is peculiarly appropriate to a lawyer or a
magistrate.
Here is the phisiognomy of one who judges the actions and characters of
men with severity; he extends no indulgence to the follies of mankind,
although he yields them his commiseration when bewildered in the mist of
error. His scrutinizing look penetrates their thoughts, and his
intrepidity never suffers him to conceal from them the truth. His mouth
disclaims loquacity; on the contrary, he thinks much, and speaks little;
the shape of his forehead betokens a man of the highest intellectual
endowments: his mind, however, is methodical, and reason directs its
operations. His eyebrows designate a profound thinker, and the irregular
shape of the face holds forth the promise of originality of genius.
Benevolence and probity are depicted on this countenance, which is not
that of a man of the world, nor of one subservient to the punctilios of
etiquette, and the rules of politeness: for the face, bearing, as it
does, the stamp of frankness, seems rather to have the air of a person
of inferior rank; and its component features exhibit a kind of muscular
strength which is rarely discoverable in the wealthy inhabitants of a
great city. This proves that the face of a mechanic may display the
noblest qualities as unequivocally as the visage of a man of the most
exalted rank; and although not susceptible of the same delicacy of
sentiment, and of that nice attention to others, the deficiency is
supplied by open and cordial good nature. His features, collectively,
proclaim him possessed of intrepidity and calmness.
The following particulars are combined in the hateful character of the
miser: Egotistical, hard-hearted, and mistrustful, the slightest loss
afflicts him; and to confer a benefit upon him, is throwing it away;
care is ever brooding in his heart, and every look is fraught with
suspicion; his propensity cannot lie concealed; he cannot move, he
cannot walk a step, without betraying it. Persons of this description
often have small and sunken eyes; their lips are strongly made out, and
compressed against one another.
We may observe, that they almost always write badly, which is by no
means surprising, since a greater degree of attention would distract
their minds from their grand object—the amassing of wealth.
Here are indications of extraordinary genius. The features of this face,
the outlines of which are neither too angular nor too rigid, decisively
evince great energy; the nose alone is indicative of an exalted mind:
the position of the eyebrows, and the gentle projection and jutting of
the chin, are characteristic of resolution; and the perfectly happy
formation of the forehead displays genius, and designates a character in
which reflection and activity are at once combined: he, whose features
unite so many marks of greatness, can be no other than a hero.
This countenance is thoroughly good, but it is difficult to discover its
constitution. The soundest reason, devoid of what may strictly be called
genius, a tender sensibility without affectation, wisdom profiting by
every lesson of experience, clearness of perception, elevation of
language, calmness, yet not without vigour when called upon to act, and
modesty without pusillanimity, are here all collected. The forehead
unites the phlegmatic and sanguine; the eye and nose, the choleric and
sanguine; the mouth, the sanguine and melancholic; the lower part of the
face, the phlegmatic and sanguine temperaments. (Extract from
Lavater.)
The features which characterise a choleric man are strongly marked; his
eye-brows are almost always thick, the end of his nose acute, his eyes
very often gray, and always lively, with red lids, and the ball of the
eye, starting, as it were, from the head, the upper eyelid rising high,
and almost totally disappearing. His nostrils are wide, which show
strong respiration; his forehead is covered with irregular
protuberances; his blood-vessels are very perceptible, and the colour
of his skin varies from yellow to red. The neck of a choleric man is
almost always extremely short; and this is the most unequivocal standard
by which to determine his character.
It would be useless to search in this physiognomy for signs of genius:
we can only find patience, coldness, and obstinacy; firmness of
character difficult to manage; an understanding correct enough, but of
little penetration; benevolence without warmth, and fidelity without
tenderness; or, rather, that kind of faithful adherence which proceeds
more from the mind than the heart.
The convexity of the forehead presumes patience; but the inconsiderable
space between the eye and nose forbids perspicuity.
Here is a candid, ingenuous, frank, and honest countenance, without the
slightest vestige of vice, passion, or intrigue. Great talents are not
to be expected, for the shape of the forehead, although it does not deny
intelligence, yet evinces no energy, but is indicative of gentleness;
the chin betrays a degree of timidity, and the mouth betokens
tranquillity of mind, and love of order.
A receding forehead, eyes black, and full of fire, their shape, the form
of the upper eyelid, an aquiline nose, and a large and projecting chin,
are here characteristic of a passionate man. The chin designates an
enterprising character, the nose denotes an ardent imagination, and
lively passions, beyond the control of reason, and the forehead affords
no inference of a reflecting mind.
Where there is no excavation between the bones of the eyes, or, in
other words, should they form no observable projection, we may
anticipate a headstrong and thoughtless character.
This face presents a most hateful character; craft, sordid avarice, and
hardened villany, have disfigured it, and distorted the eyes and mouth.
None of its muscles or features is expressive of benevolence or
sensibility; the scoundrel might always be recognised in these
lineaments; however sedulously he may endeavour to hide his soul behind
the mask of hypocrisy; however he may attempt to soften his lips into a
smile, still his countenance will infallibly belie him.
In the physiognomy of this person we may remark a degree of self-love
which has degenerated into dogmatism, an arrogant disposition, and a
certain irritability which years cannot allay, and which is strongly
manifested wherever his self-love is touched. Good sense and correct
judgment are, however, perceivable, and the shape of the forehead is by
no means incompatible with understanding; but the eyes, the nostrils,
and the mouth, denote a disputatious and dogmatical character.
In this countenance we may recognise a rogue; the size and shape of the
forehead are declaratory, however, of a reflecting, and even of a
profound mind. The salient angle of the nose, the projection and
sharpness of the chin, indicate an astute, enterprising, and crafty
character. On the whole, these features, collectively, make up a
countenance which we cannot regard without repugnance, and in which it
is impossible to confide.
In this physiognomy we distinguish taste, acuteness and sensibility.
Should a man of this description become an author, his style will be
florid, and he will describe the beauties of nature and the pleasures of
friendship; but he will avoid the discussion of scientific subjects, and
sometimes turn away from philosophical argument as dry and insipid.
The shape of his lips would seem to indicate a genius for poetry, and
the projection of the bone of the eye shows great aptness for mental
exertion. The chin denotes a character possessed of firmness and energy;
in fine, we may conclude that a man who bears a physiognomy like this is
highly gifted; it distinctly presents the impress of genius.
A downcast look, longitudinal wrinkles on the cheeks, compressed lips,
and dull eyes, are all symptomatic of a melancholy man; his mouth is
often drawn in, his complexion bilious, and his skin dry. It is
observable that persons of this character have almost always defective
teeth; their eyes are seldom blue, but very frequently dark; their hair
is generally long and sleek, and the mouth is usually kept shut, to
which the badness of their teeth may be attributed.
In this head we may recognise the face of a gay and sprightly man;
repartee and epigram are his arms, and he is capable of wielding them
with spirit and effect. The mouth, with a little hollow in the middle of
the under lip, is almost always an indication of such a character, which
is also discoverable by the interval between the two eyes.
We must not confound a person of this description with the man that
scoffs and jeers; the cheeks of the latter assume a convex form, and
approach near to the eyes.
Here are collected the features of a character of extraordinary
melancholy, in which a discontented and sluggish disposition is
perceptible. The blue eyes and small eyebrows, and the thickness of the
lips, mark the intermixture of a phlegmatic tint; the elongation of the
nose, as well as the forehead, declare no want of judgment, and it is
that which particularly characterizes this physiognomy, and gives it its
pensive air. The features of this face, taken in connexion, exhibit a
tranquil mind, fond of regularity, and especially of quiet, and to which
the functions of an ecclesiastic would be most appropriate.
![[Image unavailable: T. G. LAVATER.]](images/frontis_lg.jpg)
