Who painted A Chemist in his Laboratory?

A Chemist in his Laboratory was painted by Unknown in 1650.

Where can I see A Chemist in his Laboratory?

A Chemist in his Laboratory is held by Statens Museum for Kunst.

Artwork

A Chemist in his Laboratory

A Chemist in his Laboratory is a photography by Unknown. It dates from 1650 and is held in the collection of the Statens Museum for Kunst.

About this work

Overview

A black‑and‑white image titled *A Chemist in his Laboratory* was produced around 1650 by the artist identified as 1439_person. The photograph, now part of the Museum of Ethnography’s collection, captures a cramped interior where several figures are engaged in scientific activity.

Subject & Meaning

The scene depicts four individuals gathered around a fireplace, with a central figure stirring a mixture in a bowl. The surrounding participants handle tools, books, and jars, suggesting a collaborative environment of experimentation and study. The composition emphasizes the everyday labor of early chemical work rather than any singular discovery.

Technique & Style

Rendered in monochrome, the image relies on strong contrasts of light and shadow to model the cluttered space. The illumination from the fire creates a warm glow that highlights the central activity, while deeper shadows give depth to the surrounding equipment and shelves filled with irregular containers.

History & Provenance

Created circa 1650, the work has been preserved within the holdings of the Museum of Ethnography. Its attribution to 1439_person is based on museum records, and the piece has remained in the institution’s collection since its acquisition, though the exact date of purchase is not recorded.

Context

The depiction reflects the 17th‑century interest in alchemy and early chemistry, when laboratories were often modest, multi‑purpose rooms. The presence of books and assorted apparatus points to a period when scientific practice blended practical craft with scholarly inquiry.