Portret van de scheikundige Justus von Liebig 1837

Julien-Léopold Boilly created this print of Justus von Liebig sometime in the 19th century. Liebig was a prominent German chemist whose work had a profound impact on agricultural science and organic chemistry. Liebig's theories revolutionized farming practices and food production, influencing how societies understood the relationship between the body, food, and the environment. This portrait, therefore, not only represents an individual but also reflects the broader societal shifts towards scientific understanding and industrial advancement. The image captures the intellectual intensity of a man at the forefront of scientific discovery. Despite his contributions, it is important to consider the social and political context in which Liebig's discoveries were applied. His fertilizers and intensive farming methods, while increasing crop yields, also led to environmental degradation and social inequalities. What does it mean to memorialize an individual whose work had such complex and far-reaching consequences?