Three faces: expressing desire (top) and peaceful joy (bottom left), and laughing (bottom right). Engravings after C. Le Brun.

Le Brun's depiction of the passions is supported by his theory of the passions, which is delineated in the 'Conférence'. In Cartesian style, each compound passion is an organisation of the six simple passions of admiration, love, hatred, desire, joy and sadness. For instance, jealousy is a composite of love and hate; despair "is a strong persuasion of not being able to obtain what we desire"

Bears extensive lettering: translations of Le Brun's analyses of the facial attributes off desire, joy with tranquillity and laughter

3 prints : line engraving ; each platemark approx. 19 x 14.3 cm

Desire. Joy with tranquillity. Laughter ...

Wellcome Collection 33657i