Art of Alchemy

This project considered the role of alchemy in the history of artistic practice, artisanal knowledge, and visual culture from antiquity to the Enlightenment. Though alchemy has long been derided as a mystical pseudo-science, Art of Alchemy cast new light on the practice’s influence on global art history and the cultural exchange of ideas. The project also drew attention to previously under-examined collections of illustrated alchemy manuscripts in the Getty Research Institute’s holdings.