In the course of the 19th century, the images of scientists started to diverge from their ancient models, where the ruler was typically shown in profile—his individuality less important than his representation of power. The medal dedicated to the French chemist Michel-Eugène Chevreul (1786-1889) from 1886 shows him on the front also in profile, his facial features however appear more pronounced and more individualized – his dishevelled hair in particular is clearly carved out. Thus, Chevreul is stylised as an otherworldly pedant, who has turned his back on the mundane. The figure of the absent-minded professor, which is to gain increasing popularity especially in the 20th century, is already becoming apparent here.
