Physiognomy

[fiz-ee-og-nuh-mee, -on-uh-mee]
–noun, plural -mies.

1. the face or countenance, esp. when considered as an index to the character: a fierce physiognomy.
2. Also called anthroposcopy. the art of determining character or personal characteristics from the form or features of the body, esp. of the face.
3. the outward appearance of anything, taken as offering some insight into its character: the physiognomy of a nation.

Every so often I come across a word that I find really interesting but never share it with anyone, so I think I'll start doing that here... This one is particularly fitting with illustration; it hit me as awesome that there's actually a word for this.

Perhaps I am too easily amused.