Portret van Émile Littré 1869

This is a photographic portrait of Émile Littré, created by an unknown artist, its date is unknown. Littré was a French philosopher, lexicographer, and positivist, who lived in the 19th century. Littré's intellectual trajectory was deeply influenced by Auguste Comte, the founder of positivism. Positivism advocated for empirical evidence and scientific reasoning as the basis for knowledge and societal progress. As such, Littré was a staunch advocate for scientific materialism, emphasizing the importance of observable facts and the rejection of metaphysical explanations. His worldview shaped his intellectual pursuits, including his monumental work on the French language, the "Dictionnaire de la langue française." Littré's portrait captures the visage of a man deeply immersed in the intellectual currents of his time. His gaze, framed by spectacles, reflects a keen intellect and unwavering commitment to the pursuit of knowledge. The portrait also provides insight into the historical context of 19th-century intellectual life, when individuals sought to challenge conventional wisdom. It invites contemplation on the interplay between identity, intellectual pursuits, and societal transformations.