The text discusses different types and shapes of human foreheads, drawing a parallel to features found in certain breeds of dogs. It categorizes foreheads based on their shape and elevation, suggesting that these features can indicate certain personality traits. The text also suggests that portraits often focus on the forehead as it reflects aspects of character and intelligence.
Measure and Service of
some appear like those Lion-Dogs, which have the whole Body Shaven, only the Head rough and Long-haired beyond the Eyes. The Form of the Forehead has three different types; In which it generally appears among Humans: Either it is Flat and Smooth, Hollow-like, or Full and Elevated. The Full and Elevated are again distinguished into two forms, because they are either Full and Elevated upwards, or Full and Elevated downwards, or both Elevated above and below, or generally. There are also Foreheads that hang Backwards and Forwards. As can be seen in the artistic depictions and illustrations, all these Types and Classes can be seen.
The portrait painters often focus on the Forehead, as it is a significant part of the Human Face. Also, many things that humans are inhabited by are to be observed in it. Thus, a small Forehead often signifies instability, and a large Forehead indicates a slow-witted person. Narrow and Cross-like Foreheads suggest that the person is ignorant, unreasonable, and dirty. A long Forehead, according to our depicted house-dogs swimming, where we have paired the portrait with the renowned Plato, indicates teachability and an alert Mind. However, those resembling features of a Greyhound are often prone to flattery. A squared Forehead, akin to that of a Lion, indicates Nobility. A round, thick-skinned Forehead, resembling that of a Donkey's sway, often suggests slothfulness rather than something remarkable. Likewise, a depressed Forehead, a Marked feature.
Translation Notes: 'Tronie' is translated as 'portrait.' 'Leeuw-Hondjes' refers to a breed similar to small lion-like dogs.