Artwork
Figure 7: Étude du méchanisme et de l'expression du muscle frontal chez un vieillard: à droit, attention; à gauche, repos
Figure 7: Étude du méchanisme et de l'expression du muscle frontal chez un vieillard: à droit, attention; à gauche, repos is a photography by the Impressionist artist Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne (de Boulogne). It dates from 1856 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art. This photograph, Figure 7, is part of a series documenting experiments on human facial expressions.
About this work
Overview
This photograph, Figure 7, is part of a series documenting experiments on human facial expressions. It shows an elderly man's face with one side relaxed and the other contracted due to electrical stimulation.
Subject & Meaning
The image depicts the effect of stimulating the frontal muscle on one side of the face, illustrating the difference between a state of rest and one of attention or concentration.
Technique & Style
The photograph is a documentary record of Duchenne's experiments, using electrical stimulation to isolate and demonstrate the action of a specific facial muscle.
Context
The work is part of Duchenne's research on the physiology of facial expression, aiming to provide artists with a more accurate understanding of how to represent emotions.
Artist & collection
Artist
Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne (de Boulogne)
Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne (1806–1875) was a De boulogne artist.
Figure 45: Contraction électrique forte des triangulaires des lèvres et des sourciliers: douleur et déspoir
Figure 51: À droite, contraction partielle de l'élévateur commun de l'aile du nez et de la lèvre supérieure: mécontentement, mauvaise humeur; à gauche, repos
Figure 54: Abaissement volontaire de la mâchoire inférieure: mouvement inexpressif
Figure 32: Natural laughter by the voluntary contraction of the two large zygomatics and the lower palpebral orbicularis
