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Engravings, Prints

Le Souffleur

  • The Puffer

  • 1744

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Public Domain

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This engraving by François Bernard Lépicié reproduces the painting by Jean-Baptiste-Siméon Chardin. A young man in a fur-trimmed cap and robe sits reading, surrounded by books and glassware. On the shelf above sit long-necked alembics for distillation. At his elbow sits a small hourglass, reminding the viewer of time's passage.

The French inscription below warns of the countless hours spent by the foolish in pursuing vain ends: "Malgré tes veilles continues, Et ce vain atirail de chimique sçavoir; Tu pourrois bien trouver au fond de tes cornues, La misère et le désespoir." (Despite your ongoing vigils, And your vain travails with chemicals; You may well find at the bottom of your retorts, Misery and despair.)

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  • 39.4 cm H x 29.2 cm W
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Rights Public Domain Mark 1.0
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  • Courtesy of Science History Institute

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Cite as

Lépicié, François Bernard. “Le Souffleur.” Laid paper, paper (fiber product), 1744. Science History Institute. Philadelphia. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/2v23vt92d.

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