Hocus Pocus, or Searching for the Philosopher's Stone

Thomas Rowlandson

National Gallery of Art

This is a painting of an alchemist's workshop scene. The image depicts an interior space cluttered with various alchemical apparatuses and items associated with an old-fashioned laboratory. There is a central figure observing a process in progress within a glowing furnace. Another figure is operating a bellows to encourage the fire. Smoke and steam rise around them. Various vessels, including bottles and kettles, are scattered around the room. In the background, figures are engaged in different activities.