Portret van Johannes le Francq van Berkhey c. 1830 - 1845

This is N.M. Schild's portrait of Johannes le Francq van Berkhey, currently held in the Rijksmuseum. The image captures the Dutch physician, botanist and writer during a period of significant intellectual and social change. It reflects the complex interplay between science, philosophy, and societal norms in the 18th century. This was a time of intense debate about human nature, scientific inquiry, and the rights and roles of individuals within society. Van Berkhey, as a figure of the Enlightenment, embodies many of these tensions. The portrait captures a man of science and letters, yet one whose identity and social standing were inevitably shaped by the prevailing structures of class and societal expectation. The artwork is a window into the life and times of a man navigating the intellectual currents of his day. It reminds us of the human stories behind historical progress.