Idealized profile of Martha Hess, exemplifying Lavater's principle of the homogeneity of the face. Drawing, c. 1791, after J.H. Füssli.

Fuseli, Henry, 1741-1825.

Date:: c. 1791

Reference:: 29443i

Pictures

Selected images from this work

About this work

Description

The 'homogeneity' of the face signified for Lavater the expression of a coherent character through all its features. He remarks that this particular face is gentle but vivacious

Publication/Creation

[London], c. 1791.

Physical description

1 drawing : graphite

Contributors

Lettering

Sitter's head draped with material, initialled "D.M.M. H.H.F" (Dis manibus Martha Hess Heinrich Füseli)

Creator/production credits

Drawing possibly also by Füssli

References note

Drawing by Füssli of this subject for the English edition of Lavater sold at Christies, 9 July 1996. See catalogue: Christies, British drawings and watercolours, London 1996, p. 52

Reference

Wellcome Collection 29443i

Reproduction note

A note inscribed on the published engraving reads: "If the author's criticism should to the English reader appear unfounded on comparing the text with the plate, he is informed that the designer of the original head claims the right of restoring his own lines, and leaves the engraving to the French edition in full possession of the censure"