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Title
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Johann Lavater, Essays on Physiognomy (1789-98)
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Original Date:
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1789-1798
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Publisher:
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John Murray
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Physical Description:
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3 volumes in 5 ; 35 cm .
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Background Information:
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Blake’s works entered the library’s collections in 1795 at the founding of Union College. Among the first set of books acquired for the College that year was Lavater’s Essays on Physiognomy, which included four engravings by Blake. The five volume set in Special Collections, part of the First Purchase collection, is a replacement for the original copy. Not available at the William Blake Archive. Consult the book in Schaffer Library for more information.
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Student Commentary:
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Overview: Johann Lavater (1741-1801) was a Swiss writer, theologian, and physiognomist. Physiognomy, or the study of a person’s character or qualities by looking at their outer appearance and facial expressions, was of particular interest to him: Lavater was specifically looking for evidence of the divine in human life. His Essays on Physiognomy, published in the 1770s, was translated into English and widely admired throughout Europe. Blake contributed four engravings, after designs by others, to the handsome edition translated from the French and published in England. This edition includes more than 800 engravings, most by or supervised by Thomas Holloway. The four by Blake illustrate his skill as an engraver. Blake also admired Lavater’s Aphorisms on Man, and later incorporated the form into many of his own writings. – Caitlin Williams ‘18
