A Comparison with the Death Mask
Shortly after the death of the Prophet Joseph Smith Jr., a mold of plaster was made of his face. This death mask has been
studied and considered by some to be the most accurate image of him. This claim sets up the mask as a “litmus test” for any image of the prophet. The mask has been compared to the many drawings and paintings of Joseph Smith, including the JS
photograph. The JS photograph does not match the death mask in some important areas. By comparing the two images, it can be
seen that the death mask has a more elongated area from the tip of the nose to the end of the chin, specifically, the “cupids bow”
or the portion of the upper lip just under the nose. This area is wider and fuller in the death mask. The chin on the JS
photograph appears less prominent, or shorter, as compared to the more forward and the longer, prominent chin in the death mask. (see Fig. 25)
studied and considered by some to be the most accurate image of him. This claim sets up the mask as a “litmus test” for any image of the prophet. The mask has been compared to the many drawings and paintings of Joseph Smith, including the JS
photograph. The JS photograph does not match the death mask in some important areas. By comparing the two images, it can be
seen that the death mask has a more elongated area from the tip of the nose to the end of the chin, specifically, the “cupids bow”
or the portion of the upper lip just under the nose. This area is wider and fuller in the death mask. The chin on the JS
photograph appears less prominent, or shorter, as compared to the more forward and the longer, prominent chin in the death mask. (see Fig. 25)
There are, however, some striking similarities between the mask and the photograph. Plastic and facial Surgeons, a forensic pathologist and a mortician were able to examine a plaster copy of the death mask. One of the experts stated that if the death mask were a fraud, its copy source could have been the JS photograph, because its image is so similar. (see Fig. 26) Some of the features common to both images as stated by these experts are listed below:
Now, back to the issue of the differences. “Why is there a difference between these two images?” First of all, it was established historically and by the experts that the JS photograph is authentic, and we accepted that the death mask was most probably legitimate. The experts stated that any differences between the two were minor and could be explained by the angle of the photographs or by some death changes as recorded in the mask. However, the difference of a more elongated face in the mask was significant. To explain this difference, it was necessary to get all the information relating to the mask, the death of Joseph, and changes that could have occurred after his death. We found a whole new area of study that answers many questions and helps substantiate not only the JS photograph, but the death mask as well. The following is a brief explanation of this new area of study and its findings.
- 1. The depressed maxillary area of the left cheek.
- 2. The apparent scar on the upper lip (left side of the "cupids bow").
- 3. A horizontal straight scar on the upper left eye-lid.
- 4. A swelling of the upper left eye-lid in the photo, with the accompanying death change dehydration of that area on the death mask.
- 5. The shape of the chin and jaw are nearly identical (except for the more elongated position on the mask).
- 6. Overall, the facial dimensions, such as the distance from the brow to hairline, the curve and lengths of the eyebrows, the shape of the nose, the distance between the eyes and the shape of the lips, etc., are similar.
Now, back to the issue of the differences. “Why is there a difference between these two images?” First of all, it was established historically and by the experts that the JS photograph is authentic, and we accepted that the death mask was most probably legitimate. The experts stated that any differences between the two were minor and could be explained by the angle of the photographs or by some death changes as recorded in the mask. However, the difference of a more elongated face in the mask was significant. To explain this difference, it was necessary to get all the information relating to the mask, the death of Joseph, and changes that could have occurred after his death. We found a whole new area of study that answers many questions and helps substantiate not only the JS photograph, but the death mask as well. The following is a brief explanation of this new area of study and its findings.
