Otto Becker Paintings


Otto Becker was a German ophthalmologist and not an artist by the conventional definition. Born on December 3, 1828, in Speyer, Germany, Becker was known for his significant contributions to the field of ophthalmology rather than the fine arts. He studied medicine at the University of Heidelberg and later became a professor there, focusing his research and practice on eye diseases.

Although he is not an artist, it's worth mentioning that during the 19th century, there was a close connection between art and science, as many scientists were also involved in drawing and illustrating their findings. However, Becker's primary legacy lies in his medical career, where he made substantial advancements in understanding the anatomy and diseases of the eye. He worked on the refraction of light in the eye and contributed to the development of ophthalmological instruments.

Becker is noted for his work on the pathology of the lens and glaucoma, and he was one of the first to describe the condition known as 'glaucomatous cupping,' the atrophy of the optic nerve head seen in glaucoma. He also had a significant influence on the teaching of ophthalmology and trained many students who would go on to become prominent figures in the field.

Otto Becker passed away on July 22, 1890, in Heidelberg. While he was not an artist in the traditional sense, his scientific illustrations and detailed observations have undoubtedly contributed to the visual understanding of ocular anatomy and pathology, which may indirectly relate to the broader field of visual culture.