Reproductie van een portret van Louis Agassiz before 1875

This is a reproduction of a portrait of Louis Agassiz, and was likely made sometime in the second half of the 19th century. The image brings up interesting questions about the role of science and scientists in popular culture. Agassiz was a famous Swiss-American zoologist, geologist, and paleontologist, and a leading voice within the field of science. However, he’s also remembered for his controversial views on race. Here, we see a formal portrait of a man of science. His signature below lends authenticity to the print. The portrait presents him as an important figure, but from a contemporary perspective, it's crucial to remember that his scientific legacy is deeply intertwined with now-discredited and harmful racial theories. Understanding Agassiz requires researchers to delve into historical scientific publications, personal correspondence, and the social context of 19th-century scientific institutions. The cultural and institutional history of science allows us to unpack these complexities.