Portret van Albrecht Haller 1752 - 1803

Christian Gottlieb Geyser created this portrait of Albrecht Haller using etching techniques. This portrait encapsulates the 18th-century fascination with Enlightenment ideals and the celebration of intellectual figures. Albrecht Haller was a Swiss anatomist, physiologist, and encyclopedist whose work greatly influenced the era's scientific community. As a scientist of his time he would have been part of a very small circle of powerful, educated men. The piece reflects the identity of Haller as a man of science and letters, evidenced by the book and writing instruments placed at the bottom. The classical elements, such as the laurel wreath and architectural fragments, serve to elevate Haller to the status of a revered classical figure. Notice how the artist has chosen to depict Haller in a contemplative pose. This was not just a portrayal of a person, but an embodiment of intellectual prowess and dedication to knowledge. Consider how this image, in its time, contributed to shaping perceptions of intellectual authority and the values associated with scientific pursuit.