May 31, 2017
@Regrann from @thegetty - An alchemist sits amongst his tools, holding a scale and presumably measuring ingredients to experiment in making gold. . By the 17th century, when this was painted, alchemy was no longer considered a respectable science and its practitioners were often the subject of ridicule. . This painting is meant to comment on the time wasted on materialistic and futile pursuits. It's currently on view in the #ArtofAlchemy exhibition, running through February 12. . Detail of The Alchemist, Cornelis Bega, 1663. J. Paul Getty Museum.
