Portret van geoloog Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu c. 1809 - 1816

Giovanni Antonio Sasso made this portrait of geologist Déodat Gratet de Dolomieu with etching. This portrait provides a glimpse into the world of scientific exploration during the late 18th century, shaped by the Enlightenment ideals of reason and empirical observation. Dolomieu was a leading geologist during a time when scientific pursuits were intertwined with societal and political structures. We can see this in his clothing, which represents the dress of a gentleman. Dolomieu’s work significantly contributed to the development of geology as a modern science. However, it's essential to acknowledge how the scientific endeavors of this period were often entangled with colonialism and the exploitation of natural resources. The land he is pictured on, which appears pristine and natural, doesn’t acknowledge its history and peoples. This image invites us to consider the relationship between scientific discovery, power, and the representation of the natural world.