The alchemist in his workshop, Flanders late 17th century

The alchemist in his workshop, oil on wood panel, size 25 cm x 30 cm, with frame, 32 cm x 37 cm, Flanders, late 17th century, entourage of David Teniers.
Alchemy in the 17th century was considered a philosophy of nature, associated with a laboratory practice that very serious men studied carefully, reading texts and verifying experiments. Alchemists were also physicians, and were often consulted by the sick.
Our table gives a good idea of the work carried out by alchemists in this period.