An alchemist reading a book; his assistants stirring the crucible on the other side of the room. Engraving by P.F. Basan after D. Teniers the younger.

  • Teniers, David, 1610-1690.
Reference:
35495i
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About this work

Description

The alchemist is standing at a table, reading and stirring; his attitude and features differ from that of the 'puffers' (uninitiated alchemists) - he appears to be a true alchemist and his equipment is carefully kept; in the background a furnace is worked by four assistants; the bellows are moved by a chain. A large fish hangs from the ceiling

Publication/Creation

Paris (rue du Foin) : F. Basan

Physical description

1 print : line engraving with etching ; platemark 32.4 x 41.4 cm

Lettering

Le grimoire d'Hypocrate. D. Teniers pinx. F. Basan sculp.

References note

Marcel Roux, Inventaire du fonds français, graveurs du dix-huitième siècle, Bibliothèque nationale, Département des estampes, tome II, Paris 1933, p. 111, no. 83 ("'Le grimoire d'Hypocrate'. Debout, à dr., près d'une table chargée de divers ustensiles, un alchimiste prépare une drogue, dont il lit attentivement la formule; au fond du capharnaûm, à g., une forge où sont occupés quatre aides. Sous le tr. c. : "D. Teniers pinx. — F. Basan sculp." En marge, sous le titre : "A Paris chez Basan, rue du Foin." — H. 0m302 x L. 0m402. L'état décrit, 3 épr., … Oeuvre de Basan, I, no. 24. Catalogue du fonds de H.-L. Basan, no. 1755. Prix : 30 sols.")

Reference

Wellcome Collection 35495i

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