The Rockefeller University Learn More
Portrait of Discovery: Five Rockefeller Trailblazers Who Made Scientific History
Portrait of Discovery: Five Rockefeller Trailblazers Who Made Scientific History, 2021. Oil on canvas, 81 x 100 in.
This painting, honoring five pioneering women scientists from The Rockefeller University, was commissioned by the Women & Science Portrait Initiative and is permanently installed in Abbey Hall at Rockefeller University in New York City.
ARTICLES
New Portrait of Five Trailblazing Women Scientists from Rockefeller’s Past Is Unveiled
“This project was about reviving a rich history of scientific brilliance by women at Rockefeller and making their stories known,” said Rockefeller graduate student Audrey Harnagel during the portrait’s unveiling.
SKETCHES
Video
While the university is home to 35 portraits of male scientists who have contributed to our distinguished history, there has not been a single portrait of a woman scientist on our entire campus until 2022.
On the evening of Thursday, April 14, 2022, The Rockefeller University hosted the unveiling of a new portrait of five historic scientists. The event was held in celebration of the 25th Anniversary of the Women & Science initiative. This groundbreaking portrait—the university’s first depicting women scientists—features Drs. Marie Daly, Rebecca Lancefield, Louise Pearce, Gertrude Perlmann, and Florence Sabin, researchers who held significant tenures at Rockefeller or went on to have distinguished careers at other institutions after training at the university. All were among the first women in their respective fields and are recognized for their pioneering contributions to science. The event included remarks from Richard P. Lifton, M.D., Ph.D., Audrey Harnagel of Women in Science at Rockefeller (WISeR), and Leslie B. Vosshall, Ph.D. Additionally, attendees had the opportunity to experience the artist presentation by Brenda Zlamany.
