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Essays on Physiognomy.
By John Caspar Lavater, trans. Henry Hunter,
London, 1789 [vol I]

book containing 4 engraved illustrations by Blake
Acquired at unknown date
National Gallery of Victoria

According to the pseudo-science of physiognomy an individual's character and disposition could be judged from the features of the face and the forms of the body in general. Lavater's study of the subject was one of the most influential texts of the 18th century. Henry Fuseli, Blake's friend, was closely involved in the production of this English translation and he may have helped secure Blake's commission.

 




 
Democritus

 
 
Profile of a Man Facing Left

 
 
Two Elderly Men Planting and Watering Saplings

 
 
An Arm Holding a Lighted Candle with Insects Hovering Around the Flame

 
 

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