Physiognomy and the Meaning of Expression in Nineteenth-Century Culture

ISBN-13: 9780521792721 / Angielski / Twarda / 2001 / 258 str.

Lucy Hartley

Opis

In Physiognomy and the Meaning of Expression in Nineteenth-Century Culture, Lucy Hartley examines the emergence of physiognomy as a form of popular science. Physiognomy posited an understanding of the inner meaning of human character from observations of physical appearances, usually facial expressions. Taking the physiognomical teachings of Johann Caspar Lavater as a starting-point, Hartley considers the extent to which attempts to read the mind and judge the character through expression can provide descriptions of human nature.

Recenzje

"This lucidly-written and useful book amply demonstrates how the blindnesses of physiognomy still offer insights into the nineteenth century and beyond." Wordsworth Circle

Spis treści

Illustrations; Acknowledgements; Introduction; 1. A science of mind?: theories of nature, theories of man; 2. The argument for expression: Charles Bell and the concept of design; 3. What is the character: the nature of ordinariness in the paintings of the Pre-Raphaelite Brotherhood; 4. 'Beauty of character and beauty of aspect': expression, feeling, and the contemplation of emotion; 5. Universal expressions: Darwin and the naturalisation of emotion; 6. The promise of a new psychology?; Bibliography; Index.