The Alchemist
- 1600 – 1699
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.An alchemist wearing a green robe uses a pair of bellows to control the heat of the fire beneath his crucible. Other vessels sit on the furnace at his side, and an animal skull hangs from a peg. A hammer and tongs suggest metalworking. In the background, three assistants examine a flask of liquid, likely performing urinoscopy.
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[Willis Rooms, London, 1928 (where acquired by Chester Fisher, for Fisher Scientific)]. [1] Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA, acquired by Chester Fisher, prior to 1965 [2]; Fisher Scientific International Inc., Hampton, NH. The Chemical Heritage Foundation, 2000 (from Fisher Scientific International Inc.). Show notes[1] According to old Fisher labels for the painting, it was purchased in 1928 by Chester Fisher at "Willis Galleries, St. James Square, London." Willis Galleries probably refers to Willis Rooms, located on King Street, Saint James Square. Previously Almack's Assembly Rooms (used for balls and other social events), in 1886-7 the buildings were purchased by Willis Rooms Limited. From 1893 part of the building was occupied by dealers Robinson, Fisher, & Harding, and other rooms were leased by various other art dealers. It is not currently clear whether this painting was purchased from Robinson, Fisher, & Harding or one of the other dealers in the building. [2] Chester Fisher died in 1965. |
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| Rights | Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License |
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Cite as
The Alchemist. Oil paint (paint), canvas (textile material), 1600–1699. Science History Institute. Philadelphia. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/7m01bm932.
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