The Cleveland Museum of Art

Collection Online as of March 29, 2024

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
(British, c. 1738–1821)
(British, 1734–1797)
(British (modern), 1728-1821)
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.)
Catalogue raisonné: Clayton 163; Chaloner Smith 44; Cora 39
Location: not on view

Description

Traditionally, the chief pursuit of alchemists was the search for "the philosopher's stone," which would miraculously transform base metals into gold. The alchemist pictured here, however, accidentally discovered phosphorus, to his own amazement and awe. Despite the Gothic setting and picturesque details, Wright's purpose was not to ridicule superstition, but to commemorate the birth of chemistry as a modern science, beginning with the discovery of phosphorus in 1676. Wright strove for accuracy in depicting the alchemist's apparatus, since many of his friends and patrons were scientists and intellectuals who had stimulated the artist's interest in scientific inquiry.
  • From Rembrandt to Rauschenberg: Recently Acquired Prints. The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland, OH (organizer) (September 17-November 26, 2000).
    Cleveland, Ohio: The Cleveland Museum of Art; September 17 - November 26, 2000. "From Rembrandt to Rauschenberg: Recently Acquired Prints."
  • {{cite web|title=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|url=false|author=William Pether, Joseph Wright of Derby, William Pether|year=1775|access-date=29 March 2024|publisher=Cleveland Museum of Art}}

Source URL:

https://www.clevelandart.org/art/1995.2