Sofie Neudecker – Seite 2 – desres23.designandcommunication.net

by Sofie Neudecker - 29. Januar 202418. Oktober 2024

10. Digital Face Detection

Face Detection: Understanding the Process and Its Impact

Face recognition systems are emerging as one of the most promising applications in image analysis. As Dwivedi (2018) highlights, the field of image processing has experienced significant advancements in recent years. High-quality face recognition relies on various algorithms that extract, classify, and match facial features. This process also involves similarity or distance measures, where efficient matching can even improve existing feature extraction methods (El-Sayed & Hamed, 2015). However, factors such as pose, facial expression, lighting, orientation, skin color, the presence of glasses or facial hair, and image resolution introduce variability and complexity into face detection (Dwivedi, 2018).

A major breakthrough came with the development of real-time face detection systems, which can detect faces with high accuracy in real time, marking a significant leap in image processing. Face detection is a subset of object detection and represents the first essential step toward successful face recognition. Officially, face detection methods are categorized into four approaches:

Knowledge-Based
Feature-Based
Template Matching
Appearance-Based

How Face Detection Works

Face detection in systems like OpenCV follows a series of structured steps. First, the image is imported and converted from RGB to grayscale, as grayscale simplifies facial feature detection. Next, image manipulation and segmentation make it easier for classifiers to detect facial shapes. The widely-used Haar-Like Features Algorithm is then applied to locate human faces in the image. This algorithm detects common patterns in human faces, such as darker regions around the eyes and lighter regions around the nose. By focusing on these key features, the algorithm selects and extracts essential components for detecting faces.

Once the region of interest is defined, typically marked by the coordinates x, y, w, h, the face is enclosed in a rectangular box. Additional techniques like smile detection, eye detection, and blink detection can further enhance the accuracy and detail of the detection process.

Potential and Challenges of Face Recognition

On one hand, face recognition offers clear advantages by simplifying various processes. Automatic identification eliminates the need for passwords or manual log-ins, making daily operations more efficient. On the other hand, this convenience introduces risks, such as potential errors and privacy concerns. The possibility of misuse, particularly in sensitive areas like surveillance, highlights the need for careful implementation.

Face recognition can also be an asset in law enforcement, aiding in identifying criminals and improving public safety. However, the dystopian use of such technologies, like the social credit system in China, serves as a stark reminder of the ethical implications. When misused, face detection systems could lead to intrusive surveillance and loss of personal freedom.

Humanization in Design

Humanization in design is defined either as the process of making something more suitable and pleasant for people or as making non-human objects appear more human. Designers frequently apply this concept in their work, especially when designing facial features or shapes that evoke human-like qualities.

One fascinating phenomenon related to this is pareidolia, the tendency to perceive meaningful images in random or ambiguous visual patterns (Merriam-Webster, 2023). A classic example is the work of Giuseppe Arcimboldo, who created human portraits from collections of fruits and vegetables. Leonardo da Vinci also observed the human tendency to see patterns in randomness.

In modern times, we see pareidolia in everyday products, where people perceive face-like configurations. This perception influences consumer behavior, as the emotional content of these configurations can capture attention and affect purchasing decisions. Research shows that products with configurations resembling emotions like happiness, surprise, or anger capture more attention and encourage product exploration. However, only “happy” designs seem to consistently increase purchase intent (Noble, 2023). Understanding this psychological effect is crucial for designers, as leveraging pareidolia can enhance user experience, foster emotional connections with products, and drive consumer engagement.

“… if you look at any walls spotted with various stains or with a mixture of different kinds of stones, if you are about to invent some scene you will be able to see in it a resemblance to various different landscapes adorned with mountains, rivers, rocks, trees, wide valleys, and various groups of hills.”
Leonardo da Vinci

Sources:
Dwivedi, Divyansh. „Face Detection for Beginners.“ Medium, April 2018. https://towardsdatascience.com/face-detection-for-beginners-e58e8f21aad9.

El-Sayed, Mohamed, and Hamed Hossam. „Feature Extraction Techniques for Face Recognition.“ Journal of Software Engineering and Applications 8, no. 9 (September 2015). https://www.scirp.org/journal/home?journalid=45.

Noble, Erin. „Face Pareidolia in Products: The Effect of Emotional Content on Attention Capture, Eagerness to Explore, and Likelihood to Purchase.“ Applied Cognitive Psychology 37, no. 4 (July 2023). https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/acp.4105.

Yang, Ming-Hsuan, Kriegman, David J., and Narendra Ahuja. „Detecting Faces in Images: A Survey.“ IEEE Transactions on Pattern Analysis and Machine Intelligence 24, no. 1 (2002): 34–58. https://doi.org/10.1109/34.982883.

Merriam-Webster. „Pareidolia.“ Accessed October 18, 2024. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pareidolia#:~:text=-%CB%88d%C5%8Dl-y%C9%99%20%3A%20the%20tendency%20to%20perceive%20a%20specific%2C,see%20shapes%20or%20make%20pictures%20out%20of%20randomness.

Cambridge Dictionary. „Meaning of Humanization in English.“ Accessed October 18, 2024. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/humanization.

Images:
Arteleta. „Socket Outlet Switzerland.“ Arteleta, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://www.arteleta.it/en/products/built-in-appliance/berker-integro-series/socket-outlet-switzerland-6249-25.

IES Floridablanca. „Frutas y Verduras en el Arte.“ IES Floridablanca, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://iesfloridablanca.es/nuestro-centro/galeria/frutas-y-verduras-en-el-arte/.

Andrews, Natalie. „Pareidolia in Photography.“ Digital Photography School, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://digital-photography-school.com/pareidolia-in-photography/.

Bonhams. „1960 Austin-Healey Bugeye Sprite Mk I Chassis No. AN5L/31663 Engine No. 12C/DA/H/34840.“ Bonhams, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://cars.bonhams.com/auction/21392/lot/198/1960-austin-healey-bugeye-sprite-mk-i-chassis-no-an5l-31663-engine-no-12cjdah-34840/.

by Sofie Neudecker - 28. Januar 202410. Oktober 2024

09. Facial Shapes in Visuals – Part 02

From the Middle Ages through the Renaissance towards Modernity

Altar Frontal from La Seu d’Urgell, 12th Century

Medieval art reflects how humans defined their place in a world dominated by the Church and Christian doctrine. In the depiction of the 12 apostles on the altar frontal from La Seu d’Urgell, all faces are schematic and geometric, lacking individual features. This uniformity mirrors the medieval worldview, where individual fulfillment was insignificant compared to one’s service to the Church and God. There is no attempt at realism here; faces lack shadows and half-tones, and the apostles‘ proportions are distorted, emphasizing the religious symbolism over physical accuracy.

The apostles are shown in profile, all gazing toward Christ, the central figure who alone faces the viewer. The use of halos around each apostle’s head, defined by simple black outlines, underscores their spiritual dedication, rather than their individuality. The overall composition is repetitive and geometric, indicating that what is depicted is not the physical world but an inner, religious vision shaped by faith. It is a reflection of a non-scientific worldview, where spiritual meaning took precedence over material representation.

The Renaissance: A Turn Towards Realism

Albrecht Dürer – *Self-Portrait in Fur Coat*, 1500

„So I, Albrecht Dürer from Nuremberg, painted myself with true colors at the age of 29.“
— Albrecht Dürer, 1500

In the Renaissance, the dominance of Christian ideology waned, giving way to humanism and a revival of scientific thought that had been developed in antiquity but suppressed throughout the Middle Ages. This intellectual shift is evident in Renaissance art, where artists began to seek fulfillment not in divine service, but within themselves as individuals.

Albrecht Dürer’s self-portrait is a prime example of this transformation. In his 1500 Self-Portrait in Fur Coat, Dürer places himself at the center of the composition, directly facing the viewer in a manner reminiscent of how only Christ was depicted in medieval art. His hand gesture, echoing a blessing (Segensgruß), suggests that Dürer saw himself as a secondary creator, echoing divine creativity, yet still acknowledging his faith.

This portrait, however, also serves as self-promotion, revealing Dürer’s awareness of his role as an artist. Artists of the Renaissance no longer viewed themselves as mere craftsmen but as creators of genius, capable of divine-like mastery. Dürer’s portrait is rendered with meticulous realism, with details like the fine shading of his face and individual eyelashes bringing his likeness to life. The dark background ensures that his features stand out, emphasizing the importance of the individual, a stark contrast to medieval depictions of faceless collectives.

Modernity: A Shift Away from Realism – Art Nouveau and Early Abstraction

By the turn of the 20th century, the focus shifted once again, this time away from the realism of the Renaissance. The Art Nouveau period, which can be seen as a transitional phase toward modern art, mixed elements of realism with abstraction. A prime example of this transition is Alphonse Mucha’s 1896 poster for cigarettes. While the face still retains realistic details like shading and form, the thick black contour separating it from the decorative, repetitive background introduces a stylization that moves away from pure realism.

Similarly, Koloman Moser’s cover for Ver Sacrum (1899) maintains accurate proportions and realistic shading but simplifies these into harsh contrasts, with minimal use of half-tones. The curvilinear forms of the hair, intertwined with decorative flowers, exemplify the playful and ornamental spirit of the period.

The Viennese Secession and the Move Towards Geometry

By the time of the Viennese Secession, this decorative playfulness evolved further. Artists like Koloman Moser and Berthold Löffler reduced natural, curvy forms into more geometric shapes, creating precise patterns where individual features were often subsumed into the overall design. Faces, rather than standing out from their surroundings, became part of a larger repetitive composition. This move towards abstraction signified an increasing detachment from the realistic portrayal of the individual, favoring a more symbolic and decorative interpretation of human figures.

Bauhaus and the Essence of Form – Oskar Schlemmer’s Bauhaus Influence

“Schlemmer played with primary shapes and the human form, reducing faces to their core elements in a conscious and minimalist approach.”
— Eric Roinestad

The Bauhaus, one of the most iconic movements of modern art, pushed the abstraction seen in Art Nouveau and the Viennese Secession to its logical extreme. Oskar Schlemmer, a key figure in the movement, explored the reduction of human forms to their most basic geometric elements. His minimalist compositions maintained expressive power despite their simplicity, demonstrating how even the most reduced forms could evoke emotion and meaning.

In this period, artists like Schlemmer moved away from depicting realistic likenesses, instead opting for simplified forms that reflected a more abstract understanding of human identity. By reducing faces to their core elements, modern artists like Schlemmer reconnected with the early abstraction seen in prehistoric cave paintings, though now with a fully conscious understanding of artistic creation.

Conclusion: The Cyclical Nature of Art

Throughout art history, two parallel processes have unfolded: the pursuit of realism and the search for internal images that express individual interpretation. From the abstract and symbolic art of the Middle Ages to the hyper-realism of the Renaissance and the abstraction of the modern era, these artistic movements reveal humankind’s ongoing exploration of identity and existence. Both approaches—realism and abstraction—are valuable and essential in understanding the complex evolution of human self-perception.

Sources:
Altar frontal from La Seu d’Urgell or of the Apostles. Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya, Barcelona. Accessed October 10, 2024. https://youtu.be/L2T2vXjr3Tw?feature=shared.

Tuschka, Alexandra. “Albrecht Dürer – Selbstbildnis im Pelzrock.” The Art Inspector, 2023.
https://www.the-artinspector.de/post/albrecht-dürer-selbstbildnis-im-pelzrock.

Peasley, Aaron. “The Legacy of Oskar Schlemmer.” The Present Tense, 2018.
https://present-tense.thefutureperfect.com/articles/oskar-schlemmer.

Müller, Jens. The History of Graphic Design. Juli.

Images:

Albrecht Dürer, Self-Portrait in Fur Coat, 1500, oil on panel, 67.1 x 48.9 cm, Alte Pinakothek, Munich,
https://www.the-artinspector.de/post/albrecht-dürer-selbstbildnis-im-pelzrock.
https://artchallenge.world/gallery/it/35

Altar Frontal from La Seu d’Urgell, 12th Century. Web Resource, accessed October 10, 2024. https://sc26c7b0z32465y9232634112bda93d66.s3.amazonaws.com/web/index.html?js=26w4871135j64224887828910428182/a26w4p325n5e3t3499910558b7fedb9_ca.json.

Alphonse Mucha, La Belle Époque, poster, 1896, CZ/FR, accessed October 10, 2024,
https://clarkfineart.com/artists-catalog/la-belle-epoque/.

Moser, Koloman. Magazine Cover. 1899. AT. Accessed October 10, 2024.
https://www.posterlounge.it/p/514808.html.

Schlemmer, Oskar. 1922. DE. Accessed October 10, 2024.
https://it.pinterest.com/pin/913245630674485931/.
https://it.pinterest.com/pin/452822937503839795/.

by Sofie Neudecker - 27. Januar 202418. Oktober 2024

08. Facial Shapes in Visuals – Part 01

Throughout the History of Art and Design – Cave Paintings

In this stage of my research, I aim to examine how humans have depicted facial shapes throughout the history of art and design. By analyzing these depictions, we gain insight into how humanity has viewed itself through different artistic methods, techniques, and focal points. A key observation is the varying degrees of abstraction in facial features, which decrease in detail until the Renaissance and then increase again during the Modern period.

Paleolithic Cave Art: Sego Canyon

One of the oldest examples of human depiction comes from a cave in Sego Canyon, dating back to approximately 27,000 BC in the Paleolithic Era. The facial figure depicted in this artwork has an abstract, alien-like appearance, sparking much speculation regarding its meaning and origin. What stands out is the use of simple geometric shapes, resulting in a highly graphical and symmetrical style that displays both purity and abstraction. Despite the lack of clear interpretation, this ancient art reflects the early human desire to represent and understand themselves.

Wandjina Sky Beings: Aboriginal Rock Art

Another significant example of ancient facial depiction is the Wandjina Sky Beings found in the Kimberley region of northwestern Australia. These figures are part of a cultural tradition that dates back more than 60,000 years (Gillan, 2021). According to Australian Aboriginal legends, the Wandjinas were „supreme spirit beings“ and creators of both the land and its people. The Wandjinas are depicted with white, mouthless faces, large black eyes, and halos around their heads.

The stylized depiction of these beings has led to various interpretations, from human representations to owls or even extraterrestrial beings. Like the Sego Canyon drawings, the Wandjina art exhibits a distinct, character-rich style that focuses on the face, reflecting early humans‘ fascination with the mysteries of existence and the potential creators of life. While the exact motives behind these depictions remain unclear, it is evident that painting faces helped early humans reflect on their origins and purpose.

Egyptian Art and Hieroglyphs

Hieroglyphs, dating back more than 5,200 years, played a critical role in ancient Egyptian society, particularly in recording royal achievements and fulfilling religious functions. Human faces in hieroglyphs are typically shown in profile and are highly stylized, with few individual traits. Gods, such as Horus, are often depicted with a human body and the head of an animal, like a falcon.

One notable aspect of Egyptian hieroglyphic art is the depiction of eyes. Even though faces are shown in profile, the eyes are always depicted from a frontal view. This deliberate artistic choice reflects the symbolic importance of the eye in Egyptian culture. The left eye, known as the Eye of Horus, represents the moon and carries yin energy, while the right eye, known as the Eye of Ra, symbolizes the sun and yang energy. These dual meanings highlight the complex interplay between visual representation and spiritual significance in ancient Egypt.

Eyes in Modern Graphic Design

It is said that eyes are the windows of the soul. Because they have such a high symbolic meaning and speak to us on a deeper emotional level, they fulfil the same function in modern graphic design as they did in the depictions of the human eye in ancient hieroglyphs. Here are a few examples of poster designs of the modern period where the eye is the central element and focus of the composition drawing the attention of the viewer automatically towards it. The posters are all from different stylistic directions, years and countries, but still they all distinguish themselves and communicate effectively due to the element of the human eye.

Sofie Neudecker, 27. 01. 2024

Sources:
Porter, Kathy, and the Gray Guardians. „If Paintings Were Photos, What Would Cave People Photos Show? Aliens!“ 2015–2021. https://www.grayguardians.com/if-paintings-were-photos-what-would-cave-people-photos-show-aliens/.

Gillan, Joanna. „The Mysterious Aboriginal Rock Art of the Wandjina Sky Beings.“ Ancient Origins: Reconstructing the Story of Humanity’s Past. November 2021.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/human-origins-folklore/wandjina-rock-art-00701

Hill, Bryan. „Egyptian Hieroglyphs: The Language of the Gods.“ Ancient Origins: Reconstructing the Story of Humanity’s Past. August 2020.
https://www.ancient-origins.net/artifacts-ancient-writings/egyptian-hieroglyphs-002990

„The Egyptian Eye.“ Egyptian History. January 2021.
https://egyptian-history.com/en-it/blogs/egyptian-symbols/eye-of-egypt
Book. History of Graphic Design. 1890 – Today. Taschen. Jens Müller, Julius Wiedemann.

Images:
Gallery Retro. „Photo Et Cinéma.“ Gallery Retro, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://www.galleryretro.com/shop-art-prints/p/photo-et-cinema.

„Jean and Ernst A. Heiniger during the Shooting of the Cinemascope Film ‚Grand Canyon‘.“ Art Blart, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://artblart.com/tag/jean-and-ernst-a-heiniger-during-the-shooting-of-the-cinemasope-film-grand-canyon/.

Easy Multi Display. „The Evolution of Advertising.“ Easy Multi Display, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://easymultidisplay.com/the-evolution-of-advertising.

Pinterest. „Soviet Constructivism Poster by Nikita Kalinichenko.“ Pinterest, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://it.pinterest.com/pin/537617274273623264/.

Design Is Fine. „Willi Petzold. Poster Design for Exhibition, 1920s.“ Design Is Fine. History Is Mine, n.d. Accessed October 18, 2024. https://www.design-is-fine.org/post/62177693240/willi-petzold-poster-design-for-exhibition.

by Sofie Neudecker - 31. Dezember 20236. Oktober 2024

07. Child Scheme

How do Humans Perceive Cuteness?

Definition of the Baby Schema (Kindchenschema)

The term baby schema (or Kindchenschema) refers to a specific set of facial features commonly found in human and animal infants, including a large head, a round face, a high forehead, large eyes, and a small nose and mouth. These features trigger an „innate releasing mechanism“ for caregiving behaviors and emotional responsiveness (Frontiers, 2014). This response is crucial for survival, as it encourages nurturing behavior toward infants. Neuroimaging studies show that the baby schema activates brain areas associated with caregiving, increasing attention, protective behavior, and reducing the likelihood of aggression.

Is the Visual Preference of Baby Schema Innate?

Studies show that adults tend to spend more time looking at infant faces than adult faces, and they prefer „cuter“ infants over less cute ones. This visual preference appears early in development. In one study, even children spent more time viewing images with stronger baby schema features than those with weaker ones. However, some research suggests that sensitivity to baby-like traits develops gradually. While adults rated infant faces higher in cuteness, children gave similar ratings to both infants and adults who still retained some infantile features.

Participants tend to focus their gaze on three main areas of the face—particularly the eyes, nose, and mouth—once they detect baby schema traits.

These are the three main areas of the human face participants focus their gaze on after detecting the baby scheme within the features.

Cuteness Perception Across Species

Interestingly, the perception of cuteness is not limited to human infants. It extends to other species as well. Images of pets, such as dogs and cats, can evoke similar responses. However, studies show differences in gaze allocation; for example, humans focus less on the mouths of animals compared to human faces. This is because humans are less attuned to interpreting emotional cues from the mouths of non-human species. For humans, the mouth plays a crucial role in communication and language comprehension.

Pet ownership does not necessarily enhance the ability to read emotional cues from animals, but it does increase „cuteness sensitivity.“ Pets often retain juvenile features throughout their lives, both in appearance and behavior, which naturally attracts humans. This is why even cartoon characters or stuffed animals designed with infantile traits can trigger similar caregiving responses. The bond between humans and their pets often mirrors the parent-child relationship, reinforcing the emotional connection.

Summary of the Study

The concept of baby schema was initially proposed as a set of infantile traits that attract human attention and elicit caregiving behaviors. A study funded by the European Science Foundation demonstrated these effects by presenting participants with 120 manipulated color photographs showing varying degrees of baby schema features. Participants consistently rated images with more pronounced infantile traits as cuter and spent more time looking at them.

While adults tend to have a heightened sensitivity to baby-like features, the attraction to such traits emerges early in childhood. Overall, facial appearance strongly influences perceptions of cuteness and attractiveness, reflecting a deep-seated human interest in infants and a motivation to care for them.

Sofie Neudecker, 31. 12. 2023

Sorces:

„Baby schema in human and animal faces induces cuteness perception and gaze allocation in children.“ Developmental Psychology. Frontiers in Psychology, May 2014. Frontiers Article.

„Kindchenschema: Why do we find Babies so cute?“ Science ABC, July 2020. YouTube Video.

by Sofie Neudecker - 28. Dezember 20236. Oktober 2024

06. The Power of Makeup

The Science behind Makeup Obsession

Before discussing the power of makeup, it is important to clarify that this article focuses on women and their use of makeup. While there is growing acceptance of men using makeup to enhance or alter their appearance, women remain the predominant group using it daily. This imbalance reflects a historical development in which societal beauty standards have pressured women to appear more appealing, often to meet the preferences of men. Though this dynamic has its roots in sexism, it continues to shape how makeup is perceived and used today. Therefore, understanding the link between gender identity and makeup—still strongly associated with femininity—is crucial for fully appreciating its societal impact.

While these points warrant deeper exploration, they fall outside the primary scope of this article, which focuses on the connection between makeup and facial structure. Nevertheless, keeping these broader issues in mind provides important context for understanding makeup’s role in contemporary beauty standards.

The Transformative Power of Makeup

Makeup has the power to alter or emphasize a person’s natural appearance. According to research, approximately „44 percent of American women do not like to leave their homes without makeup“ (Van Edwards, 2023). The reasons women wear makeup are multifaceted, but they primarily revolve around two key motivations: camouflage—to appear less noticeable and reduce anxiety—and seduction—to become more attractive, feel confident, and appear more socially assertive. Some studies suggest that women who wear makeup are often „driven by fear“ of being treated differently without it, as well as early societal pressures for success. The Association for Psychological Science states that „attractive people are treated more favorably in every area of life,“ which adds to the incentive for using makeup to enhance success.

Characteristics of Attractive Female Faces

Color Contrast Around the Eyes and Lips
Women naturally have darker lips and areas around their eyes, which our brains interpret as signs of femininity. This contrast is often heightened with the application of lipsticks and eye shadows, making the face appear more defined and attractive.

Symmetry and Facial Balance
Symmetry plays a significant role in how attractiveness is perceived. Even when humans cannot consciously detect symmetry, the brain tends to prefer it. Makeup helps to even out skin tone and balance features through contouring, eyeliner, and lipliner. This process highlights a person’s facial shape and structure, making them appear more symmetrical and appealing. Makeup application can vary based on the face’s outer shape, with each type—oval, round, square, triangular, or heart-shaped—requiring different contouring strategies to bring out individual features.

Clear and Even Skin
Foundation has a significant impact on how women are perceived. Studies have found that women who wear foundation at work tend to enjoy „higher earnings and promotion potential.“ For those dealing with acne or other skin imperfections, using concealer and foundation can help even out their complexion, though it is equally important to let the skin breathe and remove makeup regularly.

Skin Mapping and Inner Health

Certain areas of the face can reflect imbalances in the body, according to traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic practices. This technique, known as „skin mapping,“ links specific skin issues with internal health problems. Here are the primary areas of the face and their corresponding health concerns:

Forehead: Spots and blackheads around the temples can indicate issues with the spleen or brain.
Cheeks: Redness or inflammation may be linked to high histamine levels or excessive sugar and gluten consumption.
Nose: Redness, blackheads, and dry skin can reflect digestive issues such as IBS.
Mouth: Cracked lips or acne around the mouth may point to imbalances in the intestines or hormonal issues like PCOS.
Jawline: Blackheads and changes in skin texture around the jaw are often related to gallbladder issues or high testosterone.

Dietary Imbalances and Intolerances

Research has shown that dietary choices such as excessive sugar, alcohol, gluten, and dairy can trigger a chain reaction in the body, affecting the skin’s appearance. These foods can disrupt gut health, causing specific skin problems to arise in certain areas of the face.

For instance:

Alcohol: Known to cause puffiness and broken capillaries, resulting in visible effects on the skin.
Gluten: May lead to skin flare-ups and contribute to inflammation, particularly around the cheeks and jawline.
Milk: Linked to acne and clogged pores, especially in sensitive individuals.
Sugar: Associated with breakouts and premature aging due to its inflammatory effects.

In addition to pure skin those three enhancements have the largest effect when it comes to facial beauty:

1. Blush: it makes you look healthier and slightly aroused
2. Mascara, eye shadow, eye liner: women with more color variations around their eyes look younger and more attractive
3. Lipstick: a higher color contrast around the mouth has a similar effect

Makeup and Social Relationships

Makeup not only affects physical appearance but also plays a role in how women are perceived by others and how they form relationships. Studies show that makeup can influence how women perceive other women. For example, women wearing makeup are often seen as more dominant, which may enhance their career prospects. However, bold or heavy makeup can also spark jealousy, with women viewing heavily made-up individuals as more promiscuous or competitive. Friendships often form more quickly between women who wear similar styles of makeup, indicating that makeup signals shared values or priorities.

Interestingly, men’s reactions to makeup differ significantly. While bold makeup might give the impression of a woman being open to casual relationships, studies suggest that men respond more positively to moderate makeup, which they associate with friendliness and approachability. The social psychology of makeup reveals that the way it is applied can influence everything from career advancement to dating prospects.

Subtlety is Key

While makeup holds significant power, studies suggest that subtle application tends to yield the best results. Women who wear moderate amounts of makeup are perceived as more likeable, trustworthy, and competent. Ultimately, each individual should choose the amount of makeup that makes them feel the most confident. Whether someone prefers a natural look or enjoys bold, expressive makeup, it is important that their choices reflect their personality. Men should also feel free to embrace makeup if it enhances their confidence and self-expression.

Conclusion

The science behind makeup reveals that it is not just a superficial tool but a powerful way to influence how we are perceived by ourselves and others. By enhancing certain facial features, makeup can boost confidence, improve social interactions, and even impact career success. However, as with any tool of self-expression, the most important consideration is how it makes the individual feel—empowered, confident, and true to themselves.

Sofie Neudecker, December 28, 2023

Sources:

Van Edwards, Vanessa. „Why Do Women Wear Makeup? The Science Behind Makeup Obsession.“ Science of People, 2023. https://www.scienceofpeople.com/makeup/.

Iredale, Jane. „Das Geheimnis des Contourings. Mit Unserer Anleitung Ganz Leicht.“ The Skincare Makeup, 2023. https://www.janeiredale.de/contouring-leicht-gemacht/.

Ferencak, Kelsey. „Face Mapping Can Tell You What’s Really Behind Your Skin Dilemmas.“ Body + Soul, March 2020. http://desres23.designandcommunication.net/wp-admin/post.php?post=2110&action=edit.

Sonnentag, Barbara. „An Ihrem Gesicht Erkennen Sie, Ob Sie zu Viel Zucker, Alkohol Oder Gluten Konsumieren.“ Freundin, October 2022. https://www.freundin.de/lifestyle-gesicht-zucker-alkohol-gluten-erkennen.

Images:

„Image of Makeup Brushes and Accessories.“ „Pinceaux et Accessoires,“ Artistpar Marilyn. https://www.artistparmarilyn.com/collections/pinceaux-et-accessoires (accessed October 4, 2024).

Dolce & Gabbana Beauty. „02 Roses The Only One Matte Lipstick Cap.“ Ounass. Accessed October 4, 2024.
https://en-saudi.ounass.com/shop-dolce-gabbana-beauty-02-roses-the-only-one-matte-lipstick-cap-for-women-214878075_0.html.

Bryan Bantry. „Makeup.“ Bryan Bantry Agency. Accessed October 4, 2024.
https://www.bryanbantry.com/makeup.

Grounded Sage. „Acne Face Map.“ Grounded Sage, accessed October 4, 2024.
https://site.groundedsage.com/acne-face-map/.

by Sofie Neudecker - 27. Dezember 20234. Oktober 2024

05. Facial Beauty

The Golden Ratio: Mathematics and Human Beauty

The golden ratio is also known as : 1. 618, divine proportion, extreme and mean ratio, golden mean or golden section.

In mathematics, the golden ratio, approximately equal to 1.618, is often denoted by the Greek letter ϕ or τ (Carlson, 2023). It represents the ratio of a line segment cut into two parts such that the ratio of the whole segment to the longer part is the same as the ratio of the longer part to the shorter one. This concept dates back to ancient Greece, where Euclid referred to it as the „extreme and mean ratio“ in Elements.

In modern algebra, the golden ratio is represented by the equation (x + 1)/x = x/1, where the shorter segment is one unit and the longer segment is x units. Rearranging this equation yields the quadratic equation x² – x – 1 = 0, with the positive solution x = (1 + √5)/2, which is the golden ratio.

Phi in the Human Face

The golden ratio appears frequently in the human face, providing insight into the design of facial features. According to Meisner (2012), the head forms a golden rectangle, with the eyes positioned near its midpoint. Furthermore, the mouth and nose are located at golden sections of the distance between the eyes and the bottom of the chin.

This principle can also be applied to a side profile. Similar golden proportions can be found when examining the face from different perspectives, highlighting how this mathematical ratio plays a role in facial structure.

The similar principles and proportions of the golden ratio can be discovered if we change our perspective and look at a profile of a face from the side view.

Human Beauty and the Divine Proportion

Numerous studies have linked the golden ratio to perceptions of beauty. A 2009 university study on attractiveness demonstrated that faces deemed particularly beautiful had more numerous, even proportions closely aligned with the golden ratio. In the following example, a „golden ruler“ is applied to an attractive face, showcasing the key ratios.

The blue line forms a perfect square encompassing the pupils and the outer corners of the mouth.
The golden section of the blue line defines several features, including the nose, nostrils, and upper lip, as well as key points on the ear.
The yellow line, a golden section of the blue line, delineates the nose’s width, the distance between the eyes and eyebrows, and the space from the pupils to the nose tip.
The green line, a golden section of the yellow line, marks the width of the eye and the distance from the lashes to the eyebrow.
The magenta line, a golden section of the green line, defines the distance from the upper lip to the nose and other dimensions of the eyes.

Phi and the Teeth

Phi can also be found in the proportions of teeth. For example, the ratio of the width of the first tooth to the second tooth is equal to phi. Similarly, the width of the smile relative to the third tooth also corresponds to phi proportions.

Variations and Other Factors in Beauty

It’s crucial to note that these observations do not imply that all beautiful faces conform to a strict set of golden ratio proportions. There are „endless variations in beauty that are as unique as each individual.“ Moreover, a positive attitude can enhance beauty, as more elements of phi appear in our faces when we smile. Interestingly, symmetry, often considered a hallmark of beauty, does not always equate to attractiveness. Perfectly symmetrical faces can appear unnatural, while small imperfections and subtle variations in the arrangement of golden proportions often enhance a person’s appeal.

For instance, many of the proportions in Angelina Jolie’s face adhere to the golden ratio. However, her unique beauty lies in the small imperfections and individual differences that set her apart. A perfectly proportional face might appear more ordinary, lacking the complexity that makes her face captivating.

The Benefits of Being Attractive

Numerous studies suggest that attractive individuals receive „unfair, beneficial treatment“ in various aspects of life, such as business, school, and social interactions (Holmes Place, 2023). The advantages of beauty are observed across cultures, as certain facial features are universally deemed attractive. A University of New Mexico study found that „beauty and symmetry are related to intelligence,“ which can lead to better career prospects, higher incomes, and greater persuasive power.

However, some research indicates that highly attractive people may also face specific challenges. For instance, a study found that attractive individuals may be at a disadvantage in job interviews when the decision-makers are of the same sex (Dean, July 2022). Additionally, attractive people can experience social rejection from their same-sex peers and may be overlooked as romantic partners due to fears of rejection. Despite these drawbacks, the positive benefits of attractiveness typically outweigh the negatives, contributing to the continuous growth of the beauty and plastic surgery industries.

For more on the universal appeal of beauty and the benefits of being attractive, watch this video here.

What is Beauty?

Ultimately, we must ask ourselves whether the golden ratio is the sole criterion for defining beauty. The Cambridge Dictionary (2023) provides multiple definitions of beauty, including „the quality of being pleasing and attractive, especially to look at“ and „the business of making people look attractive, using makeup, treatments, etc.“ However, beauty can also be viewed beyond physical appearance. For instance, beauty can be „something that is an excellent example of its type,“ which can include a person’s character, skills, or personality traits. This broader understanding reminds us that beauty is subjective and personal—everyone can feel beautiful in their own unique way.

Sofie Neudecker, 27. 12. 2023

Sources:

Carlson, Stephan C. „Golden Ratio.“ Encyclopedia Britannica, Science and Tech, November 2023. https://www.britannica.com/science/golden-ratio.

Meisner, Gary. „The Human Face and the Golden Ratio.“ The Golden Number, May 2012.
https://www.goldennumber.net/face/.

Cambridge Dictionary. „Meaning of Beauty in Essential English Dictionary.“ Cambridge Dictionary, 2023. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/beauty.

Holmes Place. „The Benefits of Being Beautiful: Does Looking Good Help You Get Ahead?“ Holmes Place, 2023. https://www.holmesplace.com/en/en/blog/lifestyle/looking-good-helps-you-get-ahead#:~:text=Looking%20Good%20In%20men%2C%20a%20strong%20jaw%3B%20in,healthier%2C%20wealthier%2C%20more%20socially%20dominant%20and%20more%20trustworthy.

Dean, Jeremy. „5 Disadvantages of Being Beautiful (Plus 5 Advantages).“ PsyBlog: Attractiveness, July 2022. https://www.spring.org.uk/2022/07/disadvantages-of-being-beautiful.php.

„Zwischen Botox und Body Positivity: Ist Schönheit Universell?“ Der Roter Faden, ZDF Info Dokus & Reportagen, March 2020. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2Q1v_Gmgu54.

by Sofie Neudecker - 26. Dezember 20234. Oktober 2024

04. Problems in Face Recognition

Prosopagnosia: The Disease of „Face Blindness“

Prosopagnosia, commonly known as „face blindness,“ is a neurological condition that prevents the brain from recognizing faces or facial expressions. According to the Cleveland Clinic (2023), even though people with this condition have normal vision, their brains are impaired in processing and recalling faces. This often leads to significant challenges in everyday life, making it difficult for individuals to recognize coworkers, friends, and even close family members.

Prosopagnosia is part of a broader family of disorders known as agnosias, which interfere with how the brain interprets sensory information. While most cases are acquired through brain damage, there are also congenital forms of the condition, caused by genetic factors. Research suggests that around 2.5% of the population has some degree of prosopagnosia, and for many, it becomes a source of anxiety, often prompting them to avoid social situations.

Symptoms and Causes of Prosopagnosia

There are two main forms of prosopagnosia, each with its own distinct symptoms:

Apperceptive Prosopagnosia: Individuals have trouble recognizing a person’s facial expression or interpreting non-verbal cues, like gestures.
Associative Prosopagnosia: Affected individuals cannot recognize familiar faces, though they may identify people by other characteristics such as voice or movement.

Acquired prosopagnosia often results from brain injuries or conditions like Alzheimer’s disease, brain tumors, dementia, traumatic brain injury, stroke, or carbon monoxide poisoning. Congenital prosopagnosia, though less understood, has been linked to specific genetic mutations, some inherited, while others occur spontaneously. There is also some speculation that prosopagnosia may be connected to autism spectrum disorder, though more research is needed to confirm this relationship.

Living with Prosopagnosia: A Personal Story

In a revealing video, 16-year-old Hannah, who is one of the 2 million people in Germany affected by face blindness, shares how she navigates daily life with this condition. The video offers a glimpse into the coping strategies she and her mother, who is also affected, have developed to recognize people and manage social situations.

(Watch the video here: Galileo Lunch Break: Mein Leben als Gesichtsblinde)

Management and Treatment

While cases of acquired prosopagnosia may sometimes be treated through medications or surgery, congenital prosopagnosia has no cure. However, rehabilitation programs help individuals develop compensatory techniques. These include:

Perceptual training: Encouraging patients to recognize individuals by focusing on distinct features, such as eye shape or hairline.
Expression recognition: Particularly helpful for those with apperceptive prosopagnosia, this training helps patients identify facial emotions.
Coping strategies: Learning to rely on voice, context, or other cues to identify people.

Though prosopagnosia is permanent, these strategies can greatly enhance social interactions and allow individuals to lead more fulfilling lives.

Emotion Recognition in People with Autism

Face recognition issues extend beyond prosopagnosia. People with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) often struggle with recognizing emotions and social cues, which can hinder their ability to interact effectively. As Dantas and do Nascimento (2022) noted, these deficiencies stem from an inability to interpret facial expressions and other non-verbal communication.

Given that improved emotional recognition can significantly enhance social skills, researchers have developed various tools to help individuals with autism. For example, Dantas and do Nascimento’s computer-based game helps people with ASD identify and express basic emotions. This is just one of many innovative programs designed to improve emotional recognition, with many options tailored specifically for children.

Emotional Learning for Children with Autism

Neurotypical children can usually recognize basic facial expressions by the age of three to four months. However, children with autism often face challenges interpreting emotions throughout their childhood. Research shows, though, that with the right support, autistic children can improve their ability to recognize and label emotions. Structured activities play a crucial role in this learning process.

Here are eight effective steps to teach emotional recognition to children with autism:

Choose age-appropriate activities.
Focus on one emotion at a time.
Use visual aids, such as cards and pictures.
Make learning fun and engaging.
Incorporate a variety of visuals to help the child generalize emotion recognition.
Use visual stories and children’s books to label emotions.
Take learning outdoors for real-world context.
Encourage the child to name emotions independently.

(Watch a demonstration here: QTrobot teaching emotion recognition to children with autism)

QTrobot teaching emotion recognition to children with autism.

Conclusion: The Impact of Face Recognition Deficits

Prosopagnosia and autism demonstrate the profound effects that deficits in facial and emotional recognition can have on people’s daily lives. While these conditions present significant challenges, the right support, training programs, and innovative tools offer hope. With structured learning and coping strategies, individuals affected by face recognition issues can improve their abilities and lead more successful, socially fulfilling lives.

Sofie Neudecker, 26. 12. 2023

Sources:

Cleveland Clinic. „Prosopagnosia (Face Blindness).“ Cleveland Clinic, 2023. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/23412-prosopagnosia-face-blindness.

Galileo Lunch Break. „Mein Leben als Gesichtsblinde.“ YouTube video, 2016. https://youtu.be/bDGTKQAKHKY.

Dantas, A. C., and M. Z. do Nascimento. „Face Emotions: Improving Emotional Skills in Individuals with Autism.“ Multimedia Tools and Applications 81, no. 8 (2022): 11263–11287. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11042-022-12810-6.

LuxAI. „How to Teach Emotion Recognition and Labelling to Children with Autism.“ LuxAI, 2023. https://luxai.com/blog/emotion-recognition-for-autism/.

QTrobot Teaching. „QTrobot Teaching Emotion Recognition to Children with Autism.“ YouTube video, 2019. https://youtu.be/rCLmOQJlkyo.

by Sofie Neudecker - 27. November 202311. Oktober 2024

03. Facial Emotion Recognition

The Detection of Emotions through Facial Expressions

The ability to read and interpret facial expressions is crucial for understanding others, as it allows us to „anticipate other people’s most likely next actions“ (Julle-Daniere, 2019). In the 1970s, Paul Ekman and his colleagues demonstrated this universality by showing photographs of Western faces portraying one of the six primary emotions to an isolated tribe in Papua New Guinea. Their research confirmed that these essential facial expressions—anger, fear, happiness, disgust, sadness, and surprise—are recognized cross-culturally. These six primary emotions are „innate and universal“ to all humans, while secondary emotions tend to be more influenced by cultural factors and lack the „prototypical, universal facial expressions“ of primary emotions. Unlike primary emotions, which can often be assessed through physiological changes like an elevated heartbeat, detecting secondary emotions relies solely on self-reporting from the individual.

In 1938, Brunswik and Reiter conducted notable research on the general perception of facial expressions. They created a „graphic, schematized normal human face“ (American Psychological Association, 2023), where proportions could be systematically altered, such as eye width, forehead height, mouth position, and nose length. By showing 189 different variations of this face to 10 subjects, who then „rank-ordered their preferences,“ the researchers identified seven pairs of opposite judgments. These pairs include:

Happy-Sad
Young-Old
Good-Bad
Symmetric-Asymmetric
Beautiful-Ugly
Intelligent-Unintelligent

These impressions highlight the most common ways people perceive facial features and represent an early effort to categorize emotions by associating them with specific facial configurations.

Minimal schematic faces with varying proportions.

To enhance the precision of this categorization, Ekman and Friesen developed the Facial Action Coding System (FACS) in 1978. This method is based on a detailed analysis of the „anatomical basis of facial movement“ (American Psychological Association, 2023) and enables researchers to describe any facial movement in terms of specific „anatomically based action units“ (AUs). The system captures „subtle differences in appearance resulting from various muscle actions,“ providing a comprehensive tool for analyzing „visually discernible facial movements.“

Different examples of the system’s Action Units.

Indication of active muscles within a specific Action Unit.

Today, the study of microexpressions has garnered significant attention. Microexpressions are defined as „very brief, involuntary facial expressions that humans make when experiencing an emotion“ and typically last between 0.5 and 4.0 seconds (Van Edwards, 2023). First discovered by Isaac Haggard and Dr. Paul Ekman, these fleeting expressions are considered impossible to fake. Various microexpression training programs have since emerged, promoting face decoding as „one of the best people skills you can have.“ Ekman identified seven key facial expressions—surprise, fear, disgust, anger, happiness, sadness, and contempt—as universally recognizable. Learning to interpret these microexpressions can be incredibly useful for understanding the emotions of those around us.

The example of surprise

For example, the expression of surprise involves several specific facial cues:
Raised and curved eyebrows
Stretched skin below the brow
Horizontal wrinkles across the forehead
Widely opened eyelids with the white of the eyes visible above and below the iris
A dropped jaw with parted teeth, but without tension or stretching of the mouth

Such indicators are not only valuable for understanding emotions but also for practical applications. For instance, when someone is attracted to you, they may give a brief „eyebrow flash,“ a quick raise of the eyebrows. Conversely, detecting contempt—where one side of the mouth is slightly raised—might help avoid conflicts in personal or professional relationships, such as preventing a divorce or work termination.

In conclusion, learning to read microexpressions is a valuable skill that is both „easy to learn and extremely useful in both professional and social life.

Sofie Neudecker, 27.11.2023

Sources.

The Faces of Emotions: Are they Universally or Culturally Varied? Psychology Today. Julle-Daniere, Eglantine, 2019. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/talking-emotion/201909/the-faces-emotions

Facial Action Coding System. Ekman, P., & Friesen, W. V. (1978). American Psychological Association, 2023. https://psycnet.apa.org/doiLanding?doi=10.1037%2Ft27734-000

Facial Action Coding System. PaulEkmanGroup, 2023. https://www.paulekman.com/facial-action-coding-system
http://system/#:~:text=The%20Facial%20Action%20Coding%20System%20%28FACS%29%20is%20a,components%20of%20muscle%20movement%2C%20called%20Action%20Units%20%28AUs%29.

Brunswik, E., & Reiter, L. (1938). Eindrucks-Charaktere Schematischer Gesichter (Impression Characteristics of Schematized Faces). Zeitschrift für angewandte Psychologie und Charakterkunde, 142, 67-134. American Psychological Association, 2023.
https://psycnet.apa.org/record/1939-02434-001

The Definitive Guide to Reading Microexpressions (Facial Expressions). Body Language. Science of People. Vanessa Van Edwards, 2023.
https://www.scienceofpeople.com/microexpressions/

by Sofie Neudecker - 25. November 202323. August 2024

02. Face Perception

How do We Perceive Faces?
Is Face Detection Innate?

Functional Specialisation

The recognition of faces is “crucial to social interactions” (Duchaine and Yovel 2008), and several scientific studies indicate that a “number of separate processes,” some of which are “specialized for faces,” are involved in this recognition. Cognitive experiments have shown that “faces are represented in a more holistic manner than other objects.” This is supported by neuropsychological studies that have identified a “number of regions in the central visual pathway” which are preferentially activated when we see a shape resembling a face. Different strategies that process various types of information are applied within these areas. The shape of individual facial features, the spacing between inner facial features, and the global structure of the face are all processed separately (i.e., holistic information; Maurer et al., 2002; Piepers and Robbins, 2012). Some of these areas even consist “entirely of face-selective neurons,” and damage or failure within them can lead to face recognition deficits such as “prosopagnosia.”

Neural Specialisation

The exact localization of brain areas involved in face recognition has been a subject of debate within the scientific community. While the fusiform face area (FFA) has historically been considered “the most selective face area” (Rossion 2015), lesion studies suggest that the “lateral part of the right inferior occipital cortex,” also known as the occipital face area, may actually be more critical. This region is noted for having the “largest overlap of lesions causing prosopagnosia” (Bouvier & Engel 2006) and is also where electrical stimulation can induce transient prosopagnosia (Jonas et al. 2012). However, it is important to note that these “labeled clusters” may be arranged differently across individual brains.

A computer-enhanced fMRI scan of a person who has been asked to look at faces.

In 1986, Bruce and Young developed an information processing model of face recognition that distinguishes “several different components in the complex skill of facial processing” (McCarthy and Warrington 1990). This model includes a “range of dissociations in face processing skills” that operate in parallel after the initial common step of visual analysis. The model differentiates “directed visual processing,” or “face detection,” which involves the ability to perceive that a certain visual stimulus is a face, from components such as “facial speech analysis,” which includes expression analysis and lip reading, and “face recognition,” the “capacity to recognize whether a face is familiar” (Simoni and Di Giorgio 2019).

Bruce and Young’s
(1986) Face
Processing Model

In this post, I intend to focus on face detection; the other parallel processes will be explored in more detail in subsequent articles. Therefore, I will briefly examine its mechanisms and investigate whether it is innate by considering the distinction between “inborn predispositions and developmental changes” (Simoni and Di Giorgio 2015) throughout the developmental process. Several studies conducted in a research lab in Padova have detected a preference for “up-down asymmetry” in newborns. This preference was observed not only with “face-like stimuli” but also with “real faces in which the geometry of the face was disrupted.” Additionally, it was found that newborns tend to look longer at congruent patterns. Congruency, defined as “the presence of a corresponding relationship between the shape and orientation of the contour and the spatial disposition of the inner features,” is particularly prevalent in facial shapes.

Figure 1. Examples of stimuli employed by to test the role of general structural properties in face preference.

To conclude, the preference for faces at birth might be explained by a “collection of preferred structural and configural properties.” However, the question of how and when faces become special stimuli and begin to be processed differently from other objects remains unresolved. The “presence of some domain-relevant biases at birth” appears to be sufficient to guide the “gradual and progressive structural and functional specialization” that develops later in childhood, influenced by the experiences an infant has in its species-specific environment.

Sources:

Duchaine, B., and G. Yovel. „Face Perception and Processing in Early Infancy: Inborn Predispositions and Developmental Changes.“ In The Senses: A Comprehensive Reference, Vol. 2. Academic Press, 2008. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123708809003340.

Roisson, B. „Brain Mapping.“ In Reference Module in Neuroscience and Biobehavioral Psychology: An Encyclopedic Reference, Vol. 2. Academic Press, 2015. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780123970251000373.

McCarthy, Rosaleen A., and Elizabeth K. Warrington. Cognitive Neuropsychology: A Clinical Introduction. Academic Press, 1990. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/B9780124818453500060.

Simon, Francesca, and Elisa di Giorgio. „Face Perception and Processing in Early Infancy: Inborn Predispositions and Developmental Changes.“ Frontiers in Psychology, Section Perception Science, Vol. 6 (2015). https://www.frontiersin.org/articles/10.3389/fpsyg.2015.00969/full.

Images:

Shamash, Philip. “Image for ‘Instinct and Learning: Two Sides of the Same Coin.’” Sainsbury Wellcome Centre Blog. September 10, 2020. https://www.sainsburywellcome.org/web/blog/instinct-and-learning-two-sides-same-coin.

„Fusiform Face Area and Face Recognition.“ Wikipedia. Accessed August 23, 2024. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Prosopagnosia#/media/File:Fusiform_face_area_face_recognition.jpg.

„Diagram Illustrating a Functional Model for Face Processing.“ ResearchGate. Accessed August 23, 2024. https://www.researchgate.net/figure/A-two-dimensional-box-and-arrow-diagram-for-illustrating-a-functional-model-for-face_fig2_221917426.

by Sofie Neudecker - 20. November 202323. August 2024

01. Proportions within Faces

Generalized Distributions and Ratios in the Human Face

No two faces are identical, and each face has its own specific characteristics and unique proportions. For this reason, our face is a significant part of our identity as human beings. However, the „individual characteristics“ of all faces can be simplified and „integrated into a basic structure“ (Marina Fridman, 2023). The following five reference points are used to assist learners in the process of portrait drawing. Additionally, they provide interesting insights into the general proportions commonly found in human faces:

Even though these elements might seem obvious, it is important to point them out because they often „become lost in the complexities of the face.“ Luckily, once they have been consciously noticed, they are very easy to remember. However, one must remain aware that every face is different, and these elements should be seen as guidelines rather than fixed rules in portrait drawing. Our understanding of proportions should never make us „lazy in our observation of the model.“ Always double-check with your subject, as these guidelines are not universally applicable.

Observations by Leonardo da Vinci

Leonardo da Vinci, one of the „greatest portrait artists“ (Juhi Kulkarni, 2007-23) of the Renaissance, created „thousands of drawings about anatomy.“ In his many notes, accompanied by explanatory drawings, he provides valuable insights into using proportions in portrait drawing.

To draw a head in which the features and agree with the turn and bend of the head, pursue this method. You know that the eyes, eyebrows, nostrils, corners of the mouth, and sides of the chin, the jaws, cheeks, ears and all the parts of the face are squarely and straight set up on the face.
Leonardo da vinci

This quote shows that da Vinci was well aware of the fact that all faces have something in common and seem to follow a general scheme.

In full face there are of 11 types. These are equal, take in the middle, train in the middle, with the tip thick, and at the root narrow or narrow at the tip and wide at the root full stop with nostrils wide or narrow high or low and the opening wide or hidden by the point. And you will find an equal variety in the other details, which things you must draw from nature and fix them in your mind, or else when you have to draw a face by heart carry with you a little book in which you have noted such features and when you have cast a glance at the face of a person you wish to draw you can look, in private which nose or mouth is most alike or there make a little mark to recognise it again at home.

Despite his adherence to general anatomical schemes, Leonardo da Vinci was highly aware of the unique and individual variations among people. His exceptional eye and keen perception allowed him to distinguish individual peculiarities from broader concepts. This ability is evident in the detailed categorisations he made in his notebooks, which later enabled him to draw portraits from memory. Here are a few examples of the insights he recorded:

The distance from the attachment of one ear to the other ear is equal to that from the meeting of eyebrows, to the chin and then find the width of the amount is equal to the length of the parting of the lips to the bottom of the chin.

The cut or the depression below the lower lip of the mouth is halfway between the bottom of the nose and the bottom of the chin.

From the eyebrow to the junction of the lip with the chin and the angles off the jaw where the ear joins the temple will be a perfect square. And each side by itself is half the head.

Studying Leonardo’s notes and sketches is deeply inspiring because he not only captures the nuances he perceives in nature but also connects them to broader, universal concepts. His work reveals that, while each individual is unique, there are underlying similarities that unite us all.

Sources:

Marina Fridman. „5 Proportions of the Face to Use During Your Next Portrait Drawing.“ The Drawing Source. Last modified 2023. https://www.thedrawingsource.com/proportions-of-the-face.html.

Juhi Kulkarni. „Leonardo da Vinci on Portrait Drawing.“ Anatomy Masterclass. Last modified 2023. https://anatomymasterclass.com/news/leonardo-da-vinci-on-portrait-drawing.