Axial Commons Image Treasury
Engraving of a bearded scholar reading by candlelight beside a skeleton, a globe and a furnace, in an ornate frame.

A Philosopher in His Study, Reading

An elderly bearded scholar in a dark robe sits at a cluttered table, reading a large open book by candlelight. Around him stand a skeleton figure, a globe, a flask, and a glowing furnace in a dim study. Engraved in fine line within an ornate decorative border.

Artist
Paudiss, Christoph, approximately 1625-1666.
Date
1728
Medium
Source
Wellcome Collection
Size
4000 × 3244 px
Download full size
Public domain · Wellcome Collection marks it Public Domain Mark; made by 1728.
Rights checked 2026-11-05 · tier A · as stated by the source: Public Domain Mark (Wellcome Collection)

Credit (appreciated, not required for public-domain works): Wellcome Collection

Alchemy and Hidden WisdomPhilosophers and Sagesbaroqueengravingold master printetchingskeletonalchemyglobebooksalchemistlaboratoryphilosopher

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