Portret van Hermanus Boerhaave 1818 - 1832

Charles Aimé Forestier created this print, "Portret van Hermanus Boerhaave," during the 19th century. It captures the likeness of Hermanus Boerhaave, an influential Dutch physician and botanist from the 18th century. Born in the late 17th century, Boerhaave lived during the Enlightenment, a period emphasizing reason, science, and individualism. His intellectual contributions and social standing made him a notable subject for portraiture, a genre often reserved for the elite. Forestier’s print reflects the continued reverence for Boerhaave’s legacy into the 19th century. The act of creating and circulating Boerhaave’s image served to solidify his place in the historical narrative of science and medicine, reinforcing prevailing societal values around intellectual achievement and the role of men in these fields. In viewing this portrait, we can consider how historical figures are selectively remembered and represented, shaping our understanding of the past and influencing present-day values.