Portret van Louis Nicolas Vauquelin 1824

Ambroise Tardieu made this print of Louis Nicolas Vauquelin sometime in the early 19th century. Vauquelin was a celebrated French chemist, and this portrait commemorates his membership in prestigious scientific societies in both France and London. As a formal likeness, the print presents Vauquelin as a figure of the Enlightenment, with his powdered wig, formal attire, and serious expression all contributing to the image of a learned man of science. Yet, the portrait also speaks to the institutions that shaped scientific knowledge in this era. The reference to Vauquelin’s position at the Jardin du Roi—the King’s Garden—reminds us that scientific inquiry was often supported and directed by the state, and that access to knowledge was closely tied to systems of patronage and power. Understanding this portrait requires us to consider the social and institutional contexts in which it was made, and to ask questions about the relationship between knowledge, power, and representation. By exploring these themes, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the complex interplay between art, science, and society.