The Alchemist

Currently not on view

The Alchemist

1649

David Teniers II (Flemish (active Antwerp and Brussels), 1610–1690)

Using a bellows, an alchemist carefully heats glowing coals under a crucible and watches for a transmutation. According to the theories of the time, it was thought possible that a base metal could be purified and turned into gold by adding the “philosopher’s stone.” Until the Renaissance, experimentation with alchemy was the preserve of royalty, philosophers, and fraud artists. By the time Teniers created this scene, however, the rising merchant classes were trying it too. Although the practice of alchemy was still controversial, its techniques—such as distillation and metallurgy—were contributing a great deal to science and industry.

Currently not on view

Object Details

Title:

The Alchemist

Date:

1649

Artist:

David Teniers II (Flemish (active Antwerp and Brussels), 1610–1690)

Medium:

Oil on panel, transferred to canvas

Dimensions:

23 1/2 x 33 inches (59.7 x 83.8 cm)

Classification:

Paintings

Credit Line:

John G. Johnson Collection, 1917

Accession Number:

Cat. 689

Geography:

Made in Southern Netherlands (modern Belgium), Europe

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Currently not on view