Artwork Page for The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays for the Successful Conclusion of his Operation, as was the Custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers

Details / Information for The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays for the Successful Conclusion of his Operation, as was the Custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers

The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays for the Successful Conclusion of his Operation, as was the Custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers

1775

William Pether

(British, c. 1738–1821)

after Joseph Wright of Derby

(British, 1734–1797)
publisher

William Pether

(British (modern), 1728-1821)
Culture
England, 18th century
Medium
mezzotint
Measurements
Image: 56.1 x 45.5 cm (22 1/16 x 17 15/16 in.); Plate: 58 x 45.6 cm (22 13/16 x 17 15/16 in.); Sheet: 64.6 x 50.7 cm (25 7/16 x 19 15/16 in.)
Credit Line
Alma and Robert D. Milne Fund 1995.2
Catalogue raisonné
Clayton 163; Chaloner Smith 44; Cora 39
State
III/V; I/II
Public Domain
You can copy, modify, and distribute this work, all without asking permission. Learn more about CMA's Open Access Initiative.
Location
Not on view
Print
?

Did You Know?

Joseph Wright of Derby’s composition was based on the story of Hennig Brand, the German alchemist who accidentally discovered phosphorus in 1676.

Description

The print’s title and the medieval-looking interior filled with instruments identify the kneeling figure as an alchemist, someone who seeks the philosopher’s stone, a mythic substance that was thought to transform ordinary metals into gold and reverse the aging process. Here, the alchemist’s experiments accidentally lead him to discover the chemical element phosphorus, seen glowing in the flask before him. In choosing this moment of illumination, the artist crafted a potent allegory of the Enlightenment in which the creative force of imagination becomes true knowledge through reason and observation.
A vertically oriented mezzotint depicts an older man with light skin tone and a bushy white beard, kneeling in a vaulted stone laboratory. He gazes with wide eyes at a glowing glass flask on a tripod, which illuminates his long, belted robe. Behind him, two figures sit at a table amidst shelves of scientific equipment. Dramatic chiaroscuro defines the Gothic arches and deep shadows of the cavernous interior, emphasizing the alchemical discovery.

The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosopher's Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays for the Successful Conclusion of his Operation, as was the Custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers

1775

William Pether, Joseph Wright of Derby, William Pether

(British, c. 1738–1821), (British, 1734–1797), (British (modern), 1728-1821)
England, 18th century

See Also

Visually Similar by AI

Contact Us

The information about this object, including provenance, may not be currently accurate. If you notice a mistake or have additional information about this object, please fill out the appropriate request form linked below:

Update or Correct Artwork Information

Imagery or Rights for Non-Open-Access Artworks

Report a Website Issue

Further Questions About This Artwork