The Alchemist

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Studio of Egbert van Heemskerck
Dutch, 1610-1680

The Alchemist

Oil on canvas
Bequeathed by George Duncan, 1878
Museum Number 1-1912

A popular subject with the Dutch School, this work shows the alchemist in his cavernous laboratory. Prominence is given to the still-lifes of various pots and jars. The large open books offer the promise of finding the formula for the legendary philosopher's stone, believed to turn base metals into gold.