Figure 81: Lady Macbeth, moderate expression of cruelty 1854 - 1856

Guillaume Duchenne created this photograph, “Figure 81: Lady Macbeth, moderate expression of cruelty,” as part of his work on the physiology of facial expressions. Duchenne lived and worked in a 19th-century French society still grappling with the aftermath of revolution and the rise of scientific positivism. The photograph is more than just a scientific document. It is a theatrical exploration of emotion, gender, and representation. The subject, posed as Lady Macbeth, embodies a controlled yet unsettling cruelty. Her expression, carefully elicited through electrical stimulation, reflects the cultural fascination with female hysteria and the performance of gendered emotions. In his writings, Duchenne discusses his ambition to capture the true expressions of the soul. He aimed to uncover the universal language of emotions written on the face. However, this raises questions about the agency and identity of the model who becomes a canvas for Duchenne’s scientific and artistic pursuits. The image invites us to reflect on the power dynamics inherent in the act of representation. It challenges us to consider how emotions are not simply natural expressions, but are shaped by cultural and historical forces.