Portret van de zoöloog André Marie Constant Duméril 1822

Curator: The severe realism captures the subject without idealizing him, it's really intriguing. Editor: That's certainly one way to describe it. This is a print dating back to 1822, "Portret van de zoöloog André Marie Constant Duméril" by Julien-Léopold Boilly, showcasing the zoologist Duméril. It employs an engraving technique. Curator: Yes, I noticed the cross-hatching, really creating tonal variation despite the monochromatic nature of the engraving. It is almost photographic, considering its period. But more than that, it really shows you the era. The ‘Institut Royal de France’ proudly displayed. And ‘Membre de la Legion d’honneur’. Editor: Indeed. Boilly seems keen to position Duméril within these institutions of power and prestige. His scientific contributions alone are not enough; it's the association with established academies that grants him full recognition. Curator: Agreed, it serves to establish his social standing just as much as his intellectual merits. And note his face is somewhat stern, no softness shown at all. A portrait for the scientific record, no fluff involved! The slight upward turn of his mouth shows some sort of warmth. Editor: Perhaps. Though, that might be wishful thinking based on our contemporary lens. This formal austerity resonates with the Neoclassical style dominant at the time – prioritising reason and clarity over romantic sentiment. Duméril looks rather steadfast to me. Curator: Which speaks volumes about the changing status of scientists within society at the time. A man of science given almost statesman-like treatment, with great visual impact. What is truly striking, looking closer, is the accuracy of lines made for printmaking, quite incredible to witness. Editor: Precisely. The fine lines render a remarkable texture to the face and clothing, lending depth to the piece. Although an engraving, the artistic value rests in its societal value for the science world. It’s a study not just in Duméril's likeness, but of societal ideals too. Curator: True, by dissecting Boilly's approach and decoding its visual language, we gained much more than mere observation today. Editor: Indeed, this portrait not only captured the likeness of a prominent zoologist, but it has now unveiled some societal layers we are privileged to uncover.