The Laboratory of the Alchemist

The image shows the alchemistic laboratory of Count Wolfgang II von Hohenlohe at Weickersheim Castle. Test tubes and other vessels are also depicted in this image, but they are placed in an orderly fashion on ledges, shelves and windowsills. Additionally, the alchemist is not handling anything in this depiction. Instead, he is facing the books in a respectful pose.

Paul van den Doort, The laboratory of the alchemist, copperplate engraving, 1609; source: www.gallica.bnf.fr, Permalink: http://gallica.bnf.fr/ark:/12148/btv1b84185150/f1.