Portret van Johann Christian Daniel Schreber 1776 - 1777

This is Johann Elias Haid's engraving of Johann Christian Daniel Schreber, made in the late 18th century. It captures the likeness of Schreber, a prominent German naturalist, within the visual language of Enlightenment portraiture. The print is more than a mere depiction; it encapsulates the values of its time. Consider the subject's gaze, his powdered wig, and formal attire. These are deliberate choices that speak to Schreber's status and intellect. The Latin inscription below the portrait is a testament to his scholarly achievements, marking him as ‘skilful in the art of medicine’. But looking closer, we can reflect on the systems of power and knowledge that elevated figures like Schreber, often at the expense of others. What voices are missing from this narrative? What perspectives were excluded from the scientific discourse of the time? Ultimately, this print invites us to consider not only who is represented but also who is left out of the historical record.