Heads of Hares, a Goat, a Boar, and an Ass

Image credit: Wellcome Collection

How you can use this image

Public Domain

This image has been assigned a Public Domain Mark and is free to use with unrestricted use.

Please acknowledge the Collection who own the work with a photo credit — this helps spread the word about their resources.

To learn more about images and rights, please see our image use page.

Download

Notes

Add or edit a note on this artwork that only you can see. You can find notes again by going to the ‘Notes’ section of your account.

Drawing for a plate facing p.113, vol.II.i., of the first English version of J. C. Lavater's 'Essays on Physiognomy' translated Henry Hunter, London, 1789–1798. In applying the study of physiognomy to the animal world, Lavater asserts a ‘proportional difference of force and form... From the insect invisible to the naked eye, up to the elephant, is not the gradation of internal and external character perpetually in exact relation?’ Lavater comments on the expression by the creatures' physiognomies of characteristics of lasciviousness, stupidity, and timorous gluttony.

Wellcome Collection

London

Title

Heads of Hares, a Goat, a Boar, and an Ass

Date

c.1789

Medium

pencil on paper (?)

Measurements

H 17.8 x W 13.7 cm

Accession number

29142i

Acquisition method

presumed to be part of the collection formed by Henry S. Wellcome

Work type

Drawing

Tags

This artwork does not have any tags yet. You can help by tagging artworks on Tagger.

Wellcome Collection

183 Euston Road, London, Greater London NW1 2BE England

This venue is open to the public. Not all artworks are on display. If you want to see a particular artwork, please contact the venue.
View venue