Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
Philosopher Laughing at Magick |
Object Name |
Engraving |
Object ID |
FA 2000.001.095 |
Description |
Flying creatures and shadowy figures loom over a seated philosopher. Absorbed in his book, the philosopher sits reading with a curious smile, oblivious to his strange surroundings. A human skull, stoppered glass flask, and other texts sit nearby. In the air above, fanciful bats and reptilian creatures circle, while figures in hoods and robes- some with animalistic, dog-like faces- crowd closer. A flaming torch held by one gives off a trail of smoke. The scene evokes occult mysticism, superstition, and the dangers of secret knowledge. |
Artist |
Unknown |
Artist 2 |
Teniers II, David (after) |
Dimensions |
H-14 W-9.75 inches |
Material |
Paper, Ink |
Medium |
Engraving |
Collection |
Fisher Collection |
Search Terms |
Engravings Alchemy in art Philosophers Scientist |
Provenance |
Fisher Scientific, Pittsburg, PA; Fisher Scientific International Inc., Hampton, NH, until 2000. The Chemical Heritage Foundation, 2000 (from Scientific International Inc.). |