DOI Page / Citation link:
https://doi.org/10.11588/diglit.19953#0012
10
PROPORTION.
The physiognomical distinctions between nations is also
easily observable, so that we could tell at a glance the
Arab from the Chinese, or the Negro from the European,
and refer these differences to the given standard. The
small eyes obliquely set in the head, the raised eyebrows,
and the broad flat nose, would enable us to mark the
Chinese; and the retiring forehead, the skull rising
behind, the projecting jaws, flat nose, large nostrils, and
the ears placed high up on the head, would point out the
Negro : and our appreciation of the peculiarities of each,
or of any other, would be obtained by the reference we
insensibly make to the standard upon which our taste
has been formed.
It requires, however, a nicer shade of discernment
to ascertain wherein the difference lies in the physi-
ognomy of individuals of the same nation, or of those
with whom we mix in our daily intercourse; but to the
Artist accustomed to observe and to note any deviation
from the principle of proportion, the angle formed with
the eyes and mouth, a little more acute or obtuse, the
chin advancing or retiring, the high or low forehead, give
at once an idea of individuality by these variations, or
departures from the standard of proportion.
From the analysis and measurement of the finest
Greek statues, it is to be • gathered that if the grand or
heroic was intended to be represented, the figure exceeded
8 heads; and if the graceful and youthful were the sub-
ject, the proportion was less than 8 heads and more than
PROPORTION.
The physiognomical distinctions between nations is also
easily observable, so that we could tell at a glance the
Arab from the Chinese, or the Negro from the European,
and refer these differences to the given standard. The
small eyes obliquely set in the head, the raised eyebrows,
and the broad flat nose, would enable us to mark the
Chinese; and the retiring forehead, the skull rising
behind, the projecting jaws, flat nose, large nostrils, and
the ears placed high up on the head, would point out the
Negro : and our appreciation of the peculiarities of each,
or of any other, would be obtained by the reference we
insensibly make to the standard upon which our taste
has been formed.
It requires, however, a nicer shade of discernment
to ascertain wherein the difference lies in the physi-
ognomy of individuals of the same nation, or of those
with whom we mix in our daily intercourse; but to the
Artist accustomed to observe and to note any deviation
from the principle of proportion, the angle formed with
the eyes and mouth, a little more acute or obtuse, the
chin advancing or retiring, the high or low forehead, give
at once an idea of individuality by these variations, or
departures from the standard of proportion.
From the analysis and measurement of the finest
Greek statues, it is to be • gathered that if the grand or
heroic was intended to be represented, the figure exceeded
8 heads; and if the graceful and youthful were the sub-
ject, the proportion was less than 8 heads and more than