- #1
jonjacson
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I ask because each painting seems to represent a different person.
This is the death mask:
What painting do you think is closer to the death mask?
What was Isaac Newton's real face?
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SUMMARY
The discussion centers on the various representations of Isaac Newton's face through paintings and a death mask. Participants analyze the differences in features, particularly focusing on the nose and hair, with some suggesting that the first painting aligns most closely with the death mask. The conversation also touches on historical context, noting that wigs were commonly worn during Newton's time, which complicates the identification of his true likeness. Additionally, there is a mention of John Newton, clarifying that he is not the same individual as Isaac Newton.
PREREQUISITES- Understanding of historical portraiture techniques
- Familiarity with the concept of death masks in art history
- Knowledge of 17th-century fashion, particularly wig usage
- Basic grasp of historical figures and their contexts, specifically Isaac Newton
- Research the techniques used in creating death masks in the 17th century
- Explore the evolution of portraiture during the Baroque period
- Study the significance of wigs in 17th-century European society
- Investigate the life and works of John Newton to clarify historical distinctions
Art historians, students of history, and anyone interested in the visual representation of historical figures, particularly Isaac Newton.
I ask because each painting seems to represent a different person.
This is the death mask:
What painting do you think is closer to the death mask?
- #2
Frabjous
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Some differences are obviously age and weight related. Can you date the paintings and place in order?
- #3
jonjacson
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caz said:
I don't have that information.
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BillTre
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Don't know about his face, but his hair is legendary, according to some.
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Frabjous
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The nose in the first matches the death mask best, but those two seem less distinctive nasally than the rest.
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- #6
epenguin
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But it isn't necessarily his, fairly obviously in some of the pics it is a wig, as was usual in his times.BillTre said:
- #7
mjc123
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I think the first is John Newton (author of Amazing Grace). As far as I know Isaac was never a clergyman. I and J are sometimes used interchangeably in old books (e.g. Iulius Caesar in the First Folio).
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