PHYSIONOTRACE Meaning and
Definition
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The physionotrace is a graphical apparatus that was invented in the late 18th century by Étienne Maurice Falconet, a French sculptor. It consists of a large board with a vertical mirror in the center, enabling the artist to trace the outline of a subject's face. The physionotrace was primarily used as a means of creating highly accurate and detailed portraits.
To create a physionotrace portrait, the subject would be seated in front of the apparatus, with the mirror reflecting their profile onto a piece of paper. The artist would then use a stylus or a pen to trace the contours and features of the reflected profile. This method allowed for a precise reproduction of the subject's facial structure, capturing even the most intricate details.
The invention of the physionotrace revolutionized the field of portraiture, as it provided a more efficient and accurate alternative to traditional methods. It gained popularity in Europe during the late 18th and early 19th centuries, particularly among artists and enthusiasts interested in capturing realistic facial likenesses.
Despite its initial success, the physionotrace eventually fell out of popularity with the rise of photography in the mid-19th century. Nevertheless, its impact on the development of portraiture cannot be overstated, as it paved the way for more precise and detailed representations of the human face.
Etymology of PHYSIONOTRACE
The word "physionotrace" can be broken down into two parts: "physio" and "notrace".
The term "physio" comes from the Greek word "physis", meaning nature or appearance. It is often used as a prefix to indicate a relationship with or concern for the body or physical characteristics.
The word "notrace" is a combination of "not" and "trace". The term "trace" refers to a visible mark or line left behind by a drawing or writing tool. The addition of the prefix "no-" implies the absence or elimination of this trace.
Therefore, the etymology of "physionotrace" indicates that it is a word created to describe a technology or technique used to capture and reproduce a visually accurate representation of someone's physical appearance.
