Portret van Johann Bernoulli 1743

This is Georg Friedrich Schmidt’s portrait of Johann Bernoulli, made around 1743 using engraving. Bernoulli was a Swiss mathematician, and this portrait commemorates his status as an intellectual figure of the enlightenment. Consider the visual codes at work here. The oval frame gives the image an air of classical antiquity, suggesting that Bernoulli is a figure of enduring historical importance. The flowing script and ornate frame are typical of the period, but they also serve to elevate Bernoulli to a position of honor. The text at the bottom translates as "His mind lived truth, and his heart knew justice. He brought honor to Switzerland and to humanity.” The portrait suggests that Bernoulli’s intellectual accomplishments were a benefit to society at large. Studying portraits such as this one helps the historian to understand the values and the social structures of the past. By consulting historical documents and studying the visual codes of the time, we can better understand the ways in which individuals like Bernoulli were celebrated and commemorated by institutions like the Royal Academy.