Twelve heads of monkeys. Drawing, c. 1789.

In applying the study of physiognomy to the animal world, Lavater asserts a "proportional difference of force and form. ... From the insect invisible to the naked eye, up to the elephant, is not the gradation of internal and external character perpetually in exact relation?" (vol. II.i. p. 99)

Lavater singles out the fifth monkey (from top, left to right), which he names an 'orang-outang', as bearing the nearest resemblance to man. Lavater points out the differences between man and monkey physiognomically, explicitly ignoring the hair and neck

[London], 1789?

1 drawing : pencil

Wellcome Collection 29234i