In the context of Saint Longinus (Bernini), discuss the Physiognomy of the Artistic style.
Manipulating a subject's facial expression to depict their inner feelings and personality was a common technique employed by Bernini and other Baroque artists. In 1593, Italian iconographer Cesare Ripa published Iconologia, a book dealing with the idea of physiognomy. Physiognomy was a popular concept throughout the early seventeenth century and was heavily employed by Baroque artists. Longinus's upward glancing eyes and his parted mouth is an example of physiognomy. The expression of his face is meant to symbolize his inner feelings, specifically his spiritual enlightenment. The head is undoubtedly imitated by a Hellenistic model, the Borghese centaur (Louvre). This technique can also be seen in Bernini's Ecstasy of Saint Theresa, where Saint Theresa looks up to the sky with her mouth partly open, similar to what is seen in Saint Longinus.
Cesare Ripa physiognomy Iconologia Baroque Ecstasy of Saint Theresa Bernini Physiognomy Longinus Saint Longinus Saint Theresa