Prof. dr. F.C. Donders (1818-1889) c. 1857 - 1908

This plaster plaquette of Professor F.C. Donders was created by Ludwig Jünger in Amsterdam. The profile portrait, a motif stretching back to antiquity, presents Donders, a figure of scientific authority. Consider the evolution of the profile, from Roman coins immortalizing emperors to Renaissance medals celebrating humanist scholars. Here, Donders is rendered in a similar vein, his likeness framed by the circular form, reminiscent of ancient medallions. This format evokes ideas of permanence and honor, connecting Donders to a lineage of celebrated figures across history. The choice of plaster, a humble material, contrasts with the grandiosity often associated with portraiture. It is precisely in this contrast that we find meaning. This plaque serves not merely as a representation of a man, but as a tangible emblem of enduring intellectual legacy. As such, this evokes the power of images to transcend their immediate context and engage in a dialogue with the past.