Fotoreproductie van een lithografisch portret van Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel 1865 - 1880

This is a reproduction of a lithographic portrait of Friedrich Anton Wilhelm Miquel, made by an anonymous artist. Miquel was a prominent botanist, and this image offers us a glimpse into the world of 19th-century scientific elite. Portraits such as this were often commissioned to assert status and commemorate achievements. Miquel's stern gaze, coupled with his formal attire, complete with academic robes and decorations, speaks to the values of his time. The image hints at the power structures within the scientific community, where access and recognition were often shaped by social standing. Consider the role of anonymity in this work; the focus is not on the artist's expression, but on faithfully representing Miquel. It suggests that the subject's identity and accomplishments were of greater significance than the artist's individual perspective. In essence, the portrait embodies the convergence of science, society, and the visual arts during the 1800s.