An alchemist using bellows at a furnace in his laboratory. Etching by T. Major, 1750, after D. Teniers the younger.

Composition described thus by Smith, loc. cit.: "A chemist's laboratory. The operator (an old man with a grey beard, seated in an armchair) is blowing the fire under a retort; in the back of the room is a man standing, with a bottle in his hand, another is seated, beating something in a mortar; these are overlooked by a man from a little window above. Three books and three crucibles lie on the ground, in front; and a variety of chemical apparatus are about the place. 1 ft 2 in. by 10 3/4 in. Engraved by Major."

The alchemist is seated looking towards the viewer's left. The still consists of a wide cucurbite containing the matter to be distilled. On top is the helm (still-head, alembic) acting as condensing apparatus, leading to the glass vessel to the side, the receiver into which the condensed liquid flows

London (the Golden Head in West Street the upper end of St. Martin's Lane) : Thomas Major, sold by the author, 7 May 1750 : Sold by the author

1 print : etching ; platemark 40.7 x 28.9 cm

The chymist. To Richard Mead, M.D. physician in ordinary to his majesty F.R.S. This print ingrav'd from an original painting of the same size by David Teniers, is humbly dedicated by his most obedient servant, Thos. Major. D. Teniers pinxt. T. Major sculpt.

John Smith, A catalogue raisonné of the works of the most eminent Dutch, Flemish, and French painters, London: Smith and son, 1829-1842, vol. 3, p. 416, no. 586 (no location given for the painting)

Wellcome Collection 35503i