Figure 71: Same head as in Plate 70

Art Historical Context

In the mid-19th century, neurologist Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne the use of photography to document human facial expressions, collaborating with photographer Adrien Tournachon ( of Félix Nadar). *Figure 71: Same as in Plate 70 created from 1854–56 and printed in 1862 is part of this groundbreaking series from Duchenne's *Mécan de la physionomie*. The oval image captures a male head—evoking classical sculpture—with precise anatomical detail, reflecting the era's fusion of science, medicine, and emerging photographic art. This albumen silver print from a glass negative exemplifies early photographic innovation. Albumen, made from egg whites coated on paper, produced rich tones and fine resolution ideal for scientific illustration, allowing unprecedented accuracy in capturing subtle muscular movements. The modest dimensions (image: 28.3 × 20.4 cm) and mounted presentation suited both scholarly atlases and museum display. Held in the Metropolitan Museum of Art's Photographs Department, this work holds historical significance as a bridge between art and science. Duchenne's electrically stimulated expressions influenced later studies, including Charles Darwin's research on emotions, while the sculptural quality of the head underscores photography's power to immortalize the human form with lifelike intensity. A fascinating glimpse into Victorian innovation!

About the Artist

Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne de Boulogne|Adrien Tournachon (French|French) · 1806 |1825 –1875 |1903

French, 1806–1875|French, 1825–1903