Jacques-Philippe Le Bas (XVIII) da Teniers - Le Chimiste

Jacques-Philippe Le Bas (after David Teniers the Younger) - "Le Chimiste" - ca. 1745/1747
Author: Jacques-Philippe Le Bas (1707–1783), famed engraver of the Cabinet du Roy.
Subject: From an original painting by David Teniers the Younger (1610–1690).
Title of the work: Le Chimiste (The Chemist / The Alchemist).
Era: Mid-18th century (about 1745–1747).
Technique: Etching and burin on paper.
School: French / Flemish.
Historical-Artistic Context
A fine eighteenth-century engraving depicting with extraordinary richness of detail the interior of an alchemist's laboratory. The old scientist is portrayed near the fireplace while examining a preparation, surrounded by his assistants and by a multitude of objects typical of alchemical iconography: flasks, beakers, books of formulas, and a fish hanging from the ceiling. It is one of Teniers's best-known genre subjects, here graphically rendered with the refined chiaroscuro contrasts characteristic of Le Bas's school.
Lettering and Inscriptions (lower margin):
Center: Title "LE CHIMISTE" with heraldic noble coat of arms.
Dedication: "Dedié to Monsieur Jacques Jean Comte de Wassenaer Seigneur d'Obdam, Chevalier du Saint Empire Romain..."
Signatures: "D. Teniers pinxit" (left) and "J. P. Le Bas sculpsit" (right).
Publisher: "A Paris chez J. Ph. Le Bas graveur du Cabinet du Roy..."
Conditions and Lot Details
Frame: The work is presented in a classic wooden frame with a gilded inner profile, highlighting its antique appearance.
Condition: Overall in good condition. The paper shows a light and natural uniform yellowing with slight foxing due to age, which do not compromise the beauty of the dense etched texture. (Check for any small tears at the outer margins before confirming).