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.
