Object Record
Images
Metadata
Title |
An Alchemist with his Assistant in his Workshop |
Object Name |
Painting |
Object ID |
FA 2000.003.017 |
Description |
The alchemist, plainly dressed in a brown smock, looks outward and points to an open page within his book, directing the viewer's attention to what may be an important passage. A second large book lies open on the table before him, beside a stoppered flask and a large furnace topped with glowing hot coals. A young assistant tends to the distillation vessels heating nearby. At left, two assistants can be seen in the background of this humble shop, working at a low table, while a little dog watches their efforts. |
Artist |
Circle of David Ryckaert II |
Date |
1600s |
Dimensions |
H-20 W-26 inches |
Material |
Oil Paint, Canvas |
Medium |
Painting |
Collection |
Eddleman Collection |
Search Terms |
Alchemy Alchemists Painting Workshops David Ryckaert II, David Seventeenth century |
Provenance |
[with Lira Framing Manufacturer, Ceský Krumlov, between 1960 and 1988, and probably in 1984]. [1] (probably sale, Neumeister, Munich, 13 May 1987, lot no. 517). [2] (sale, Christie's, South Kensington, 21 April 1988, lot no. 128, to Eddleman for Spectrum). Spectrum Laboratories, Rancho Dominguez CA, acquired by Roy Eddleman, 1988-2000. The Chemical Heritage Foundation, 2000. [1] This information is based on a series of stamps and inscriptions on the verso of the painting. CHF Fellow Agnieszka Rec helped translate two stamps in Czech from Lira Framing and correspondance with Czech Curator Hana Klimešová helped to confirm details about Lira and their history. Another inscription, "Rest. 1984" indicates that the painting was restored in 1984 and was probably reframed by Lira at that time. Other details about why the painting was in Eastern Europe have not been determined. [2] Dimensions are slightly different between this sale, 53.5 x 68 cm, and the confirmed Christie's sale, 52 x 66.1 cm. However, the visual details match extremely closely. |