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PHYSIOGNOMY, 1658. The forehead of a poisoner. Woodcut from Geronimo Cardanos Metoposcopia
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PHYSIOGNOMY, 1658. The forehead of a poisoner. Woodcut from Geronimo Cardanos Metoposcopia
PHYSIOGNOMY, 1658.
The forehead of a poisoner. Woodcut from Geronimo Cardanos Metoposcopia, 1658
Granger holds millions of images spanning more than 25,000 years of world history, from before the Stone Age to the dawn of the Space Age
Media ID 12407310
1658 Geronimo Hieronymus Jerome Metoposcopia Physiognomy Prisoner Cardano
EDITORS COMMENTS
This intriguing print captures the essence of physiognomy, a 17th-century pseudoscience that aimed to determine a person's character and personality based on their facial features. The woodcut, taken from Geronimo Cardano's Metoposcopia published in 1658, specifically focuses on the forehead of a poisoner. The image showcases the intricate details of this ancient art form, highlighting the significance placed on specific facial attributes. The subject's forehead is depicted with precision and depth, revealing subtle lines and contours that supposedly indicate sinister intentions or deceitful nature. Geronimo Cardano, an Italian scholar known for his contributions to mathematics and medicine, delved into physiognomy as part of his broader exploration of human behavior. This particular woodcut exemplifies his dedication to understanding criminal tendencies through physical appearance. The presence of a moustache adds another layer to the interpretation of this portrait. In historical context, moustaches were often associated with masculinity and power; however, in this case, it may symbolize deception or disguise. As we gaze upon this artwork from centuries past, we are reminded not only of humanity's fascination with unraveling mysteries but also how our perceptions have evolved over time. While physiognomy has long been discredited as a scientific practice today due to its lack of empirical evidence and reliance on stereotypes, it remains an important artifact showcasing our ancestors' attempts at understanding human nature through visual cues alone.
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