Artwork
Figure 32: Natural laughter by the voluntary contraction of the two large zygomatics and the lower palpebral orbicularis
Figure 32: Natural laughter by the voluntary contraction of the two large zygomatics and the lower palpebral orbicularis 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 32, is part of a series documenting the physiology of human facial expression.
- Accession no.
- 2018.9
- Credit line
- Severance and Greta Millikin Trust
About this work
Overview
This photograph, Figure 32, is part of a series documenting the physiology of human facial expression. It captures a subject's natural laughter.
Subject & Meaning
The image shows a person exhibiting a natural smile, with the accompanying text identifying the muscles responsible for this expression: the two large zygomatics and the lower palpebral orbicularis.
Technique & Style
The photograph is a product of a scientific experiment, aiming to systematically explore and document human emotions through facial expressions.
Context
The work is part of a larger study by Duchenne, who sought to educate artists on accurately depicting emotions by understanding the underlying muscular movements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne (de Boulogne)
Guillaume-Benjamin-Amand Duchenne (1806–1875) was a De boulogne artist.
Figure 7: Étude du méchanisme et de l'expression du muscle frontal chez un vieillard: à droit, attention; à gauche, repos
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
