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Poster Print : The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosophers Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays
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The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosophers Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays
The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosophers Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays for the Successful Conclusion of his Operation, as was the Custom of the Ancient Chymical Astrologers, 1775. Traditionally, the chief pursuit of alchemists was the search for " the philosophers stone, " which would miraculously transform base metals into gold. The alchemist pictured here, however, accidentally discovered phosphorus, to his own amazement and awe. Despite the Gothic setting and picturesque details, Wrights purpose was not to ridicule superstition, but to commemorate the birth of chemistry as a modern science, beginning with the discovery of phosphorus in 1676. Wright strove for accuracy in depicting the alchemists apparatus, since many of his friends and patrons were scientists and intellectuals who had stimulated the artists interest in scientific inquiry
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Media ID 19645211
© Heritage Art/Heritage Images
After Mezzotint William Pether
A4 (29.7 x 21cm) Poster Print
Step into the mystical world of alchemy with our captivating poster print from Heritage Images. The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosophers Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays, is an exquisite masterpiece from 1775. This evocative image transports you back in time, as the alchemist, with a glowing phial of phosphorus in hand, bows in prayer for the successful conclusion of his operation. Add an air of enchantment to your home or office with this stunning, museum-quality poster print from the Media Storehouse range by Heritage Images.
Premium quality poster prints are printed on luxurious semi-gloss satin 270 gsm paper. Our meticulously crafted poster prints offer an affordable option for decorating any space, making them ideal for living rooms, bedrooms, offices and beyond. To ensure your poster arrives in good condition, we roll and send them in strong mailing tubes.
Poster prints are budget friendly enlarged prints in standard poster paper sizes (A0, A1, A2, A3 etc). Whilst poster paper is sometimes thinner and less durable than our other paper types, they are still ok for framing and should last many years. Our Archival Quality Photo Prints and Fine Art Paper Prints are printed on higher quality paper and the choice of which largely depends on your budget.
Estimated Product Size is 21.6cm x 30.3cm (8.5" x 11.9")
These are individually made so all sizes are approximate
Artwork printed orientated as per the preview above, with portrait (vertical) orientation to match the source image.
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EDITORS COMMENTS
This print titled "The Alchymist, in Search of the Philosophers Stone, Discovers Phosphorus, and Prays" takes us back to the 18th century British era when alchemists were fervently seeking the elusive philosophers stone. The artist, Joseph Wright of Derby, skillfully captures a pivotal moment in history when science was on the cusp of emerging from superstition. In this atmospheric scene set against a Gothic backdrop, we witness the astonishment and awe on the alchemist's face as he accidentally stumbles upon phosphorus. His discovery marks a turning point in his pursuit for gold transmutation but also signifies an important milestone in the birth of chemistry as a modern scientific discipline. Wright pays meticulous attention to detail by accurately portraying the alchemist's apparatus. This commitment to authenticity is not surprising considering many of his friends and patrons were intellectuals and scientists who had sparked his own curiosity about scientific inquiry. Rather than mocking superstition or ridiculing ancient beliefs, Wright uses this artwork to commemorate an important historical event. Through this print, he immortalizes both the accidental discovery of phosphorus and its significance in laying down foundations for future advancements in chemistry. This remarkable piece serves as a testament to human curiosity and our relentless quest for knowledge that has propelled us forward throughout history.
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