The Alchemist and Vanity oil on panel Flemish school of the 17th century
Flemish paintings from the 17th century are highly sought-after by collectors. They have excellent reasons: the subjects, the quality of the preparations and pigments used, and the virtuosity of the painters in the various workshops of the Masters.
In the 17th century, alchemy was considered by all societies to be a mysterious science, a laboratory practice that very serious and influential men studied through texts and experiments. Alchemists could be considered by some as doctors and were consulted.
Vanities feature allegorical objects with strong symbolic value. The most emblematic of these is the skull, symbolizing death.
The Alchemist and Vanity, a fine 17th-century painting on wood, perfectly captures the mysterious atmosphere of the Society's consultations.
Flemish school of the 17th century, on the back a mark in the shape of a star or flower (research in progress).
Sizes unframed: H 13.38 In. - W 20.27 In.
Sizes framed: H 18.50 In. - W 25.49 In.
Very good condition, in its beautiful carved and gilded wooden frame. We have had this painting professionally cleaned, with two small repaints, probably from the 19th century.
