The text discusses the significance of the face as a reflection of the soul and its expressiveness compared to the rest of the body, citing cultural practices and philosophical insights on beauty. It contrasts the view that beauty lies only in the face with a broader perspective that sees grace in the whole person. Additionally, anecdotes highlight how cultural norms impact perceptions of beauty in both men and women.
Beauty of Human Figures.
It is said; and since the face is the mirror, or rather the lively expression of the soul, in it, alongside much charm, most of the efforts of the mind can be seen; the rest of the body cannot quite match the expressiveness of the face. Thus, it is not strange that in lands where men are afflicted by the devouring devil of jealousy, women are forced to cover their faces in public or stay indoors. To these men, it would be preferable to see the buttocks than the face of their women. However, some scholars of human studies have interpreted this differently, regarding the beauty of the face as just a minor part of the gracefulness found in a truly beautiful person. This can be affirmed with many testimonies from the ancients. Aristaenetus said; even if the face of my beloved Limone exceeds the natural beauty of all other women, there might be a time she could not disrobe herself without exposing parts of herself that diminish her beauty. Similarly, Papinus described the beauty in men through the character of Parthenopeus, the son of Atalanta: When the young man, he says, unclothed his riding coat, the beauty of his body came to light; his entire joyful body was revealed, his graceful shoulders, his fine white and well-made chest, which was lovely.