Oratorical Gestures
Images of the Delsarte system of expression, popularized in the 1880s
and found in the volume: The Popular Entertainer and Self-Instructor in Elocution
(Chicago: Conkey, 1898) [in the collection of the Beinecke Library as part of a salesman’s sample book, including Wood’s Natural History for Children]
Room 26 Cabinet of Curiosities 
Great collection. I shall start using these without delay. Now where did that poor penniless widow go?
These are great. I’d love to see all of them.
very cool thanks for sharing
Is there an image for incredulity? Most interesting and great blog!
If you look at pictures of political or religious speakers from the time period you’ll see some of these poses or similar. They look silly now but addressing thousands of people with no PA they woulda been helpful.