# The Alchemist

[View the canonical artwork record](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a/the-alchemist-r6decf00e87b47b>)

## Artwork

- Artist: [TENIERS, David the Elder](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a>)
- Date: 1601-1650
- Technique: Oil on canvas, 44 x 58 cm

## Commentary

Best known as the process by which lead could be turned into gold, alchemy was originally an esoteric system of gradual spiritual purification. from the Middle Ages on, it provided metaphors to poetry, symbolism to the visual arts, and an early form of experimental science.

## Related artworks

- [Christ on the Road to Calvary \(detail\)](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a/christ-on-the-road-to-calvary-detail-rec7a7e700906cd>)
- [Christ on the Road to Calvary](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a/christ-on-the-road-to-calvary-rd05a32d8ee9db8>)
- [Miracle of St Paul on the Island of Malta](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a/miracle-of-st-paul-on-the-island-of-malta-r06ee5b46c612c3>)
- [St Christiana](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a/st-christiana-r6de025d4df0f75>)
- [Venus Visiting Vulcan&#39;s Forge](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a/venus-visiting-vulcans-forge-r0e070fbb06a8aa>)
- [Village Feast](<https://beta.wga.hu/artists/teniers-david-the-elder-rf3dc7775d3931a/village-feast-r9fe7138d0d97a5>)

## Attribution

[Web Gallery of Art](<https://beta.wga.hu/pages/about>)