The early men of science were often painted in such a manner that showed that they were scientists, or at the very least that science was an interest of theirs. If I were to pick such a portrait to be hung in the Fred Jones Jr. Museum of Art here at the University of Oklahoma it would have to be the portrait of David Wiley. What excited me about this portrait wasn't the device that Wiley would have prized, pictured to the left of himself. It is instead the device in his hands. He is carrying a predecessor to the humble capacitor. This device is known as a Leyden Jar. Capacitors are an important component to a good many electronic devices nowadays. Though his scientific devices are featured, Wiley is still the main focus of the portrait indicating that there was more prestige to him being known as a scientist than science itself.
Here is a the link to the image
http://www.npg.si.edu/img2/franklin/wiley.gif, which for some reason has been formatted as a .gif.
I love the color composition in the portrait as well -- the red drape gives it a dramatic punch of color, and his pale face stands out against it and his serious black suiting, and then his hands against the black draw you to look at the jar, and then the instruments above -- it's a very striking display, that is sober and exciting at the same time! Great point about he himself being the focus, showcasing the scientist more preeminently than the science!
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