The Doctor of Fools (detail), Theodor de Bry, 1657 The Doctor of Fools
Theodor de Bry (Franco-Flemish, 1528–1598)
Engraving in Jacques Lagniet, Recueil des plus illustres proverbes, divises en trois livres (Paris, 1657–1663), pl. 15
87-B9592

This image mocks not only alchemical charlatans as snake-oil salesmen peddling cure-alls but also the ambition of creating life in the laboratory: a tiny narn (fool) can be seen inside the "test tube" brandished by the alchemical doctor.