The Art of Caricature (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1904 edition. Excerpt: ...rest of the body. In dumb persons, or uncivilized peoples with a limited vocabulary--or, to descend still lower in the scale of life, in brute creation--passion is usually indicated by the action of the entire body. Civilized nations, with a flexible, complete language, show much less physical indication of the workings of the mind when undergoing powerful emotions. Action is supplanted by words; gesture is under more complete control--until, of course, the forces of natu/e show themselves on some sudden strong impulse, when force of habit and civilized restraint are thrown aside. Each of the features plays its important part in expression, though it has been truthfully said that, if the rest of the face were covered, the eye with its brow would go far in expressing all the softer emotions of human nature; it addresses to us in intelligible language sentiments of love, sympathy, pity, or joy; while, in the more fierce or stormy passions which agitate man's mind the mouth and nose are called into action and contribute their full share to giving expression to these passions. In laughter, the cheeks are raised in such a manner as to nearly close the eyes, which sparkle noticeably--the eyelid corners being turned up and the nose wrinkled; the mouth describes an upward arc. Sorrow is allied, in this connection, with melancholy, pity, and dejection. This emotion is generally expressed by a forward inclination of the head and a relaxation of the facial muscles. The corners of the eyebrows are raised toward the center of the forehead. Drooping eyelids and upraised pupils are also shown, and the corners of the mouth are drawn downward. Joy is indicated by slightly parted lips, bright eyes, and an upward tendency to the corners of the mouth....