Mezzotint-engraving after Joseph Wright (1734-1797). `The Alchymist' Drawing upon such traditions, Wright’s alchemist kneels in awe before a flask from which a jet of phosphorus gas is released ‘and prays for the successful conclusion of his operation.’ Behind him two assistants, until recently engaged in extraction of lead from lead ore, stare on or point in amazement. Phosphorus was first discovered in 1676 and it is perhaps this event that Wright depicts here, the alchemist and his assistants’ ambiguous costume and gothic setting conveying some sense of a historical past. Inscribed, Bottom left hand corner 'JW Pinxit' centre 'An Alchymist/Published September 1775 and sold by W.Pether in Broad Street St James'' bottom right hand corner`Wm Pether Fecit'. Engraving after Wright; 'The Alchymist', Made by William Pether (1738-1821).Mezzontint-engraving and etching. Paper.

Exhibitions:

  • Title: Wright of Derby: From the Shadows
    Venue: National Gallery
    Dates: from 07/11/2025 to 01/11/2026

Publications

  • Title: Wright of Derby
    Published Place: London
    Copyright: The Tate Gallery
    Published Year: 1990
  • Title: Catalogue of the Engraved Works of Joseph Wright, A.R.A., "Wright of Derby"

Related People

  • William Pether (Artist)

    Display Date: 1738 - 1821

  • Joseph Wright of Derby (Artist)

    Display Date: British, 1734 - 1797

    Nationality: British

    Biography: Artist.

An Alchymist

Date: 1775

Medium: Mezzotint-engraving and etching.

Object Type:Print
Dimensions:Support: 625 × 500 mm (24 5/8 × 19 11/16 in.)
Description:According to Williamson's catalogue, this is a First State impression; Clayton's catalogue lists it as a Third State impression.
Provenance:...; possibly collection of William Bemrose; thence to the Bemrose Library, by whom donated to Derby Museums in 1924.
Viewing Status:Contact Us
Item Ref:1924-936/19
Browse Collection
Browse Collection