Credit: © The Royal Society
Image number: RS.10280
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‘A countenance of scorn and derision and a morose, envious countenance’
Date
1746
Creator
James Mynde (1710, British) , Engraver
After
James Parsons (1706, British) , Artist
Object type
Library reference
Tracts/CXXVII/4
Material
Technique
Dimensions
height (print): 185mm
width (print): 307mm
width (print): 307mm
Subject
Content object
Description
Illustration of a face showing scorn or derision and a face showing an expression of envy.
Image 1- Parsons suggests that ‘as soon as the mind suggests a contempt for persons or things [...] the first muscles that begin to act are [...] on one side only, whereby the side of the upper lip is pull’d up, so as to shew [sic] the teeth [...]’. Parsons also suggests an inclination to wrinkle the nose.
Image 2- The act of frowning with a malicious grin. The brow is forced slowly downwards and inwards whilst the lids of the eyes are dragged up. The upper lip is drawn up on each side whilst the corners of the mouth droop downwards.
Parsons makes reference to classical texts and poetry in the accompanying text; connecting the expressions he illustrates with scenarios in said literature.
Plate 4 from Human Physiognomy Explain’d: In the Crounian Lectures on Muscular Motion by James Parsons FRS (London, C. Davis, 1746). Inscribed: ‘Tab .IV. p.64. I. Ps MD. del. J.Mynde sc.'
Image 1- Parsons suggests that ‘as soon as the mind suggests a contempt for persons or things [...] the first muscles that begin to act are [...] on one side only, whereby the side of the upper lip is pull’d up, so as to shew [sic] the teeth [...]’. Parsons also suggests an inclination to wrinkle the nose.
Image 2- The act of frowning with a malicious grin. The brow is forced slowly downwards and inwards whilst the lids of the eyes are dragged up. The upper lip is drawn up on each side whilst the corners of the mouth droop downwards.
Parsons makes reference to classical texts and poetry in the accompanying text; connecting the expressions he illustrates with scenarios in said literature.
Plate 4 from Human Physiognomy Explain’d: In the Crounian Lectures on Muscular Motion by James Parsons FRS (London, C. Davis, 1746). Inscribed: ‘Tab .IV. p.64. I. Ps MD. del. J.Mynde sc.'
Associated place