Professor Joseph Van Beneden of Louvain (1809–1894) 19th century

Edouard Louis Geerts’s 19th-century bronze medal, “Professor Joseph Van Beneden of Louvain (1809–1894),” depicts the Belgian zoologist in profile. The small, circular sculpture, now housed in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, captures Van Beneden's likeness with a focus on his facial features and beard. Geerts, a prominent Belgian medalist, was known for his detailed and realistic portrayals of historical figures, often capturing their personalities through subtle nuances in their expressions. This medal stands as a testament to Geerts's skill and the legacy of Professor Van Beneden.