Clinical Anthropometry and Canons of the Face in Historical Perspective

Abstract

Measurements of the human face as part of the body have been performed since the Greek era, and many aspects of ancient measurements can be found in modern clinical anthropometry. A historical appraisal of the use of facial measurements is presented. The influence on modern facial anthropometry of Greek proportion sciences, the golden proportion, canons of important Renaissance artists, physical anthropology, and cephalometry are discussed. The main difference between human measurements in classic times and modern anthropometry is the denial of realistic sizes and proportions in former times. Human forms and canons were depicted in a way the artist or scientist preferred, rather than how they objectively were. For reconstructive and cosmetic surgery, realistic sizes and proportions are assessed using anthropometric techniques and used as guidelines to correct deformities or disproportions.