The correspondence between physical features and the character of a person, which was the matrix for the natural sciences of the 19th century, is today a basis for lifestyle norms, and even for psychological and medical diagnostics. This volume historically and systematically examines the biopolitical performativity of physiognomic practices, their mediality, and the knowledge of life implied in the aesthetics of texts and media.

Vittoria Borsò undSieglinde Borvitz, Universität Düsseldorf;Luca Viglialoro, Hochschule der Bildenden Künste Essen.