Charles Bonnet 1779

J.F. Clemens created this print of Charles Bonnet in 1779. At the time, printed portraits were a common way to circulate images of prominent figures. Here, the choice of engraving as a medium speaks to the values of precision and reason that defined the Enlightenment era. Bonnet, as depicted, embodies the ideal of the enlightened intellectual: composed, rational, and dignified. Note the careful attention to detail in his wig and clothing, visual markers of status and learning. Born in Switzerland, Bonnet was a key figure of the Genevan Enlightenment, known for his work in natural history and philosophy. This image, then, is not just a likeness, but a carefully constructed representation of a man and his social role. The image is now in the collection of the SMK - Statens Museum for Kunst. By examining the print alongside Bonnet’s writings and other visual representations of intellectuals, we can gain a deeper understanding of the cultural values and social dynamics of the 18th century.