Down in the Mouth: Faces of Pain

Abstract

The inspiration for the title of this chapter originates in James Gillray’s 1804 print of a patient being bled by his doctor, exemplifying the communicative function of facial expression and its recognition in others (Figure 10.1). Conforming to Humoral Theory, based on the Ancient Greek writings of Hippocrates, bleeding was believed to help restore the body’s natural, healthy balance of vital fluids. Gillray’s draws a distinct contrast between the two faces, especially in their mouths. The patient, who cannot bring himself to look at the procedure, makes the perfect downward grimace of unhappy resignation. His eyes are also cast downwards. But equally well realised is the tension in the mouth of the doctor, the tight ‘pursing’ around the lips constricting the blood supply to make the area pale. Note how the doctor’s eyes are wide open and his brows are raised, indicating his full attention and some trepidation.