You’ve likely met someone whose face reminded you of an animal, maybe a horse, a fox, or even a bird. Ancient cultures believed that a person's facial features could reveal a lot about their character, often comparing humans to animals. This idea comes from the Physiognomonica, which is linked to Aristotle or his followers. People’s looks were thought to reflect their inner qualities, based on comparisons with animals.
Lions: Faces of dominance and leadership
In Physiognomonica, people with lion-like features—broad faces and strong jaws—were thought to possess qualities of strength, dominance, and leadership, much like the lion, which symbolizes authority and power.
Foxes: The clever and cunning
Foxes have long been seen as symbols of intelligence and trickery. In the ancient world, those who had narrow eyes, sharp noses, or other fox-like features were believed to be clever and shrewd. Physiognomonica describes these people as naturally full of strategies and tricks, much like the fox who is known for its cunning. People with these features were seen as smart, but possibly also a bit sneaky or deceptive.
Dogs: Warmth, Loyalty, and Friendliness
People whose faces reminded others of friendly dogs were seen as kind, loyal, and approachable. Dogs, known for their loyalty and companionship, symbolized friendliness and warmth. According to Physiognomonica, people with rounded, soft facial features and gentle eyes were thought to have the same loyal and trustworthy nature as dogs. These individuals were considered welcoming and dependable.
Deer and hares: timid and fearful
People with soft, delicate features—such as large, wide eyes or fine skin—were compared to animals like deer or hares, which are known for their shyness and timidity. Just as these animals are quick to run from danger, people with similar features were thought to be more fearful or nervous. The text suggests that people with these traits were likely to avoid conflict and might be more sensitive or cautious in everyday life.
Wild Boars: Brave and tenacious
In contrast to the timid deer and hares, people with coarser, more rugged facial features were compared to wild boars. Boars are strong and aggressive animals, willing to stand their ground in the face of danger, and people who shared these traits were seen as brave and tough. These types of features had a courageous spirit, facing challenges head-on without backing down.
Birds: Brave rooster vs. timid quail
Birds were another group of animals used to compare human features. For example, people with sharp, angular faces were thought to be like roosters—brave and bold. On the other hand, those with softer, finer features were compared to birds like quails, which are seen as more timid and cautious. The ancient text linked coarse hair or sharp features to boldness, while softer hair or delicate features were signs of fearfulness.
How color affects personality
Even skin color was thought to reveal something about a person’s temperament. People with red or flushed complexions were believed to have fiery, energetic personalities. According to Physiognomonica, those with this complexion were quick to anger and full of passion. By contrast, individuals with pale or softer complexions were thought to be calm and kind-hearted, with a gentle nature.
Header image source: Giambattista della Porta, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons