Portret van Albrecht von Haller 1740 - 1804

Gottlieb Leberecht Crusius created this print, "Portret van Albrecht von Haller," sometime in the 18th century using etching. Crusius, a German artist, worked during a period of significant social and political change, as Enlightenment ideals began to challenge traditional hierarchies. This portrait depicts Albrecht von Haller, a Swiss anatomist and physiologist. During the Enlightenment, scientific and philosophical discourse became increasingly influential, and Haller was a key figure in the scientific revolution, which emphasized empirical observation and reason. Representations like this served to immortalize and celebrate those figures deemed important. The artist's choice to portray Haller through the precise, detailed medium of etching reflects the Enlightenment's emphasis on clarity and rationality. In rendering Haller with such meticulous detail, Crusius underscores the importance of individuality and achievement, aligning with the period’s evolving notions of identity and meritocracy. The artwork captures a sense of intellectual authority, reflective of the societal values placed on scientific advancement.