life mask
Noun: A life mask is a cast, typically made of plaster or a similar material, taken directly from the face of a living person. It is created to produce an exact three-dimensional likeness of the person's facial features at that moment.
The term "life mask" is used to describe both the process of creating such a cast and the resulting physical object. It is primarily discussed in the contexts of art, history, and anthropology. * Artists create life masks for detailed study of human anatomy or as a preliminary step for sculptures. * Historians value life masks of famous figures as accurate historical records of their appearance.
- The museum displayed a life mask of Abraham Lincoln, capturing every wrinkle and contour of his face.
- Making a life mask requires the subject to remain very still while a quick-setting material is applied.
- Compared to a death mask, a life mask often shows more relaxed and natural facial features.
- The creation of a life mask is a specific artistic and technical process distinct from photography or painting.
- The phrase "a life mask of [Person's Name]" is used to authenticate and specify the origin of a portrait sculpture.
- Death Mask (n): A cast taken from the face of a deceased person.
- Cast (n/v): The object created by pouring liquid material into a mold; or the act of making such an object.
- Effigy (n): A sculpture or model of a person, which may be based on a life mask.
- Bust (n): A sculpted portrait of a person's head, shoulders, and chest, for which a life mask might serve as a reference.
- Facial cast
- Living cast
- Portrait mask
The core meaning of "life mask" is strictly the cast taken from a living face. It is often contrasted with a "death mask." The term does not refer to masks used in theater or for concealment (like a "disguise" or "costume mask"), nor does it refer to metaphorical uses of "mask."
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a cast taken from the face of a living person
