Portret van Johann Elert Bode 1806

This print portrays Johann Elert Bode, the German astronomer, and was made by Johann Michael Siegfried Lowe. Looking at this portrait, consider the visual codes that communicate status and intellect in late 18th and early 19th century Europe. Bode is rendered in profile, a format with roots in ancient coins and aristocratic portraiture, signaling his importance. Note the oval frame, reminiscent of classical cameos, and the symbolic elements below. These references elevate Bode beyond a simple likeness. Prints like these played a crucial role in disseminating knowledge during the Enlightenment. Bode, as director of the Berlin Observatory, was a figure of public interest. This image speaks to the cultural value placed on science and learning at the time. The institutions of science such as observatories were increasingly important at this time and portraiture like this helped to promote and celebrate scientific endeavour. To understand this image better, research into the history of science and its relationship to portraiture is essential. By looking at the social and institutional context, we can unpack the layers of meaning embedded within this portrait.