Professor Franciscus Donders (1818-1889). Fysioloog en oogheelkundige 1870 - 1913

This is a portrait of Professor Franciscus Donders, the famed physiologist and ophthalmologist, rendered in print by Bramine Hubrecht. The dark tones evoke a profound sense of depth, characteristic of 19th-century portraiture. Note the subtle gesture of his hand, gently holding what appears to be a pocket watch. This symbolizes the meticulous study of time, a crucial element in scientific measurement. This act of holding, securing, and carefully studying time is a motif that echoes across centuries. From the measurement of the heavens in ancient astronomy, to the study of human reaction times in the emerging field of psychology, the act of measuring time becomes a gateway to understanding the world. Consider how the weight and the presence of the timepiece he holds connect to the broader human endeavor to comprehend and control our existence. Time is a powerful, invisible force that shapes our perceptions and understanding of the world. In Professor Donders’s case, this translates into the precise measurements crucial to his work in physiology and ophthalmology. A timeless pursuit across epochs, resurfacing with renewed significance in each era.