Unveiling the Truth: Exploring Joseph Smith Jr.'s Face through Comparative Analysis

I was recently asked to compare Joseph Smith's death mask with a copy of his daguerreotype. However, there are some important things to consider regarding the daguerreotype photos. They were taken using special meniscus lenses with long focal lengths, which can affect how a person's face appears in the image. Longer focal lengths make facial features look flatter and closer together, while shorter focal lengths can slightly exaggerate them. The daguerreotype lenses also had a shallow depth of field, meaning only a small part of the image is in sharp focus, with the rest appearing blurred. These factors make a difference in how Joseph Smith's face is portrayed in the daguerreotype. It's important to keep these lens characteristics in mind when comparing the death mask and the daguerreotype, as they can influence the way he looks in each.

In order to accurately compare the death mask and the daguerreotype, it was crucial to obtain a well-captured copy of the death mask with the right angle and lighting conditions. Many people tend to photograph the death mask up close using modern lenses, which can introduce distortion. Fortunately, the LDS Church now offers 3D files of the mask for download, which is an incredible resource for researchers studying Joseph Smith's face. Additionally, the use of orthographic projection helps minimize distortion, providing a more accurate representation of the features. These advancements and tools greatly contribute to the study and analysis of Joseph Smith's facial characteristics.

I embarked on a comparison by overlaying the death mask and the daguerreotype, taking care to avoid relying solely on the morphing effect that can make two dissimilar things appear similar. Instead, I focused on using prominent facial landmarks, such as Joseph's brow ridge and nose ridge, as the primary reference points for the comparison. This approach ensured a more accurate assessment of the similarities and differences between the two representations.

I must admit that I initially had some reservations. As someone who constantly challenges their own theories, I was open to the possibility of disproving my own beliefs. Part of me was actually hoping to discover that I had been mistaken all along. It's important to approach our research with an open mind and be willing to accept new findings, even if they challenge our existing notions.

But to my surprise, the evidence did not disprove my theories. On the contrary, it only reaffirmed them, as is often the case in my research endeavors. I meticulously mapped key facial lines, aligning the death mask with the landmarks on Joseph's face. The resemblance was striking! Even the creases under his eyes matched. Joseph's face reveals the truth, whether in the death mask or the daguerreotype. The unmistakable features and characteristics of Joseph Smith Jr. are evident in both representations. The death mask captures his unique facial structure, while the daguerreotype preserves his likeness through the early photography technique. The consistency between these two sources further solidifies the authenticity of Joseph Smith Jr.'s appearance. The truth shines through, bridging the gap between history and visual evidence.

Below are two photographic diagrams, one with mapping lines and one without. By studying both images, it becomes evident how strikingly similar they are, particularly in the area around the eyes. The mapping lines help to highlight the alignment and correspondence of key facial features, emphasizing the unmistakable resemblance between the death mask and the daguerreotype. The convergence of these visual elements further reinforces the compelling evidence of Joseph Smith Jr.'s identity in both representations.

It is worth noting that during the process of taking the death mask, Joseph Smith Jr. was in a horizontal position. In such circumstances, the absence of circulation can lead to blood pooling within the body, resulting in a pulling effect on the soft tissues, including the nose and mouth. This can create a tightened appearance, akin to a facelift. Additionally, without the natural contraction of muscles, the face tends to relax. Consequently, relying heavily on the exact positioning of these features may not be entirely reliable. Furthermore, it is essential to consider that Joseph's nose had been filled with cotton during the process of creating the death mask. These factors contribute to the unique characteristics observed in the death mask, which should be taken into account when comparing it to other representations of Joseph Smith Jr.'s face. Indeed, the landmarks of the brow ridge and nose ridge are often less affected by the specific conditions during the creation of a death mask. These areas tend to retain their distinctive features better and can serve as reliable reference points for comparison. By focusing on these landmarks, one can make meaningful observations and draw conclusions.

*It is also important to note that the blue landmark lines are exact copies and were created off the death mask.

I also wanted to share a picture of Joseph alongside a drawing by Sutcliffe Maudsley for comparison. Even though Sutcliffe wasn't sure where to place the eyes, the overall alignment is quite similar. I'll discuss this more in a future blog post. Additionally, I'm currently working on a comparison between the Larsen photo and Hyrum's death mask. Stay tuned for more updates on that.

While we don't know the exact focal length of the original daguerreotype, it is interesting to observe how it significantly alters the shape of the face. This factor becomes relevant when measuring the death mask against the image. It is unlikely for a death mask taken at close range with a focal length of 35mm to perfectly align with a daguerreotype image shot at 200mm. You can explore this fascinating concept further on a website that provides a convenient visual preview of focal length comparisons.

https://www.danvojtech.cz/blog/2016/07/amazing-how-focal-length-affect-shape-of-the-face/