Paintings

Alchemist seated in his laboratory

  • Circa 1887 – circa 1963

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Public Domain

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The alchemist sits, stirring the contents of a crucible, as he carefully watches the progress of a distillation experiment. He is surrounded by alchemical apparatus, glassware, and open books. An hourglass at his side signals the passing of time.

This work is signed "Reich" in the lower left of the painting and, while this is not yet confirmed, it was possibly painted by Austrian artist Adolf Reich, who traveled extensively and was known for his popular genre paintings throughout Europe during the early 20th century.

Property Value
Artist
Provenance

Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, PA, acquired by Chester Fisher, prior to 1965 [1]; Fisher Scientific International Inc., Hampton, NH.

Chemical Heritage Foundation, 2000 (from Fisher Scientific International Inc.).

[1] Chester Fisher died in 1965.
Format
Genre
Medium
Extent
  • 45.72 in. H x 30.48 in. W
Inscription
  • (Lower left) "Reich"
Subject
Rights Public Domain Mark 1.0
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Credit line
  • Courtesy of Science History Institute

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Department
Collection

Cite as

Reich, Adolf. Alchemist Seated in His Laboratory. Oil paint (paint), canvas (textile material), circa 1887–1963. Science History Institute. Philadelphia. https://digital.sciencehistory.org/works/dr26xx94g.

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