Aesthetics and The Narrative Setting Duchenne de Boulogne

g.-b. duchenne de boulogne, synoptic plate 4 le mécanisme de la physionomie humaine. 1862, albumen print. in upper row , lower 2 rows, patients different expressions on either side of faces

whereas scientific section intended exhibit expressive lines of face , truth of expression, aesthetic section intended demonstrate gesture , pose contribute expression; trunk , limbs must photographed care face form harmonious whole. these plates duchenne used partially blind young woman claimed had become accustomed unpleasant sensation of treatment … . in many of plates scientific section, model stimulated faradically provoke different expression on either side of face. duchenne advised looking @ both sides of face simultaneously reveal mere grimace , urged reader examine each side separately , care.

duchenne s experiments aesthetic section of mechanism included use of performance , narratives may have been influenced gestures , poses found in pantomime of period. believed electroshock , in setting of elaborately constructed theatre pieces featuring gestures , accessory symbols faithfully depict complex combinatory expressions resulting conflicting emotions , ambivalent sentiments. these melodramatic tableaux include nun in extremely sorrowful prayer experiencing saintly transports of virginal purity ; mother feeling both pain , joy while leaning on child s crib; bare-shouldered coquette looking @ once offended, haughty , mocking; , 3 scenes lady macbeth expressing aggressive , wicked passions of hatred, of jealousy, of cruel instincts, modulated varying degrees of contrary feelings of filial piety. theatre of pathognomic effect dominates aesthetic section of mecanisme.