[Motion Capture, History of]

[Alan Sondheim]

[Motion Capture, History of]


The Head and Face

The hanging down of the head denotes shame or grief.
The holding of it up, pride or courage.
To nod forward implies assent.
To toss the head back, dissent.
The inclination of the head implies diffidence or languor.
The head is averted in dislike or horror.
It leans forward in attention.

The Eyes

The eyes are raised, in prayer.
The weep, in sorrow.
They burn, in anger.
They are downcast, or averted in shame or grief.
They are cast on vacancy in thought.
They are cast in various directions in doubt and anxiety.

The Arms

The placing of the hand on the head indicates pain or distress.
On the eyes, shame or sorrow.
On the lips, an injunction of silence.
On the breast, an appeal to conscience.
The hand is waved or flourished in joy or contempt.
Both hands are held supine, or they are applied or clasped, in prayer.
Both are held prone in blessing.
They are clasped or wrung in affliction.
They are held forward, and received, in friendship.

The Body

The body held erect indicates steadiness and courage.
Thrown back, pride.
Stooping forward, condescension or compassion.
Bending, reverence or respect.
Prostration, the utmost humility or abasement.

The Lower Limbs

The firm position of the lower limbs signifies courage or obstinacy.
Bended knees indicate timidity or weakness.
The lower limbs advance in desire or courage.
They retire in aversion or fear.
Start in terror.

- From New Elocution and Vocal Culture, by Robert Kidd, A.M., 1883.