John Varley

Preliminary Sketch for Plate 4 of ‘Treatise on Zodiacal Physiognomy’

1828

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Not on display

Artist
John Varley 1778–1842
Medium
Graphite and ink on paper
Dimensions
Support: 174 x 227 mm
Collection
Tate
Acquisition
Presented by Martin Butlin CBE in memory of Hugo Schwab 1991
Reference
T06495

Display caption

In his publication Varley, like Lavater, gave particular prominence to profiles rather than full-face images. The shape of the forehead, nose and chin played an important part in his readings. The second head drawn here in ink was identified in Varley’s book as ‘Capella as transmitted from Taurus’, and is suggestive of a bullish character.

Gallery label, March 2011

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