Charles Darwin

Showing continued interest in the expression of emotions in humans

Charles Darwin

Letter Signed, to "Dear Sir,"

thanking for photographs depicting the expressions of a child during a recitation designed to evoke different emotions. Text likely in the hand of his son, Francis Darwin. 1 page, 8vo, "Down" stationery; toned and chipping at edges (but body is relatively supple), minor scattered foxing, horizontal folds.

"Beckenham" [London], 26 January 1876.

"I am very much obliged for the photographs. I think you are very unjust towards them, as they seem to me to show in a quite admirable manner the different expression[s] of a child, whilst hearing a melancholy & an amusing story."

With--Two carte-de-visite photographs, half-length portraits by H.G. Smith, each showing an unidentified toddler looking into the camera wearing an expression of delight or worry. One with notes written on verso describing "Pleasure at hearing . . . [much of rest illegible]," in pencil, in unknown hand. Each 4x2½ inches overall; remnants of mounting overall verso, one with minor staining at edge recto.

Darwin's  The Expression of the Emotions in Man and Animals was published in 1872.

Charles Darwin 1809 - 1882

Seraphin Gallery

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