Portret van Johan Bernoulli 1760s

Jean-Charles François created this portrait of Johan Bernoulli using etching. The formality of this portrait is rooted in the conventions of its time, yet it also serves as a window into the world of 18th-century intellectual life, a period marked by the Enlightenment's emphasis on reason, science, and individualism. Bernoulli, a Swiss mathematician, came from a family that significantly shaped the era’s scientific and philosophical thought. The portrait captures Bernoulli at a time when scientific discovery was closely tied to social status and power. The powdered wig and formal attire signify his place within the academic and social elite. Yet, beyond the trappings of status, there’s an undeniable sense of his intellectual presence. The Enlightenment, while advocating for equality and reason, often privileged the experiences and contributions of white, upper-class men. This image, therefore, represents both an individual and the complex social structures that defined his world. The portrait is not just a depiction of a mathematician; it’s a reflection of the values and hierarchies of a society undergoing profound change.