A Doctor in His Studio (detail)
by MUSSCHER, Michiel van, Oil on panel
The subject of this painting has been variously identified as a doctor, alchemist, and a scientist. The amber-coloured contents of the glass beaker which he studies appear to be urine, the analysis of which was used to test pregnancy. The apothecary jar labeled Euphrasia, a plant material used as an eye remedy, and the tool at its left, a dental key used for tooth extraction, further reveal the bearded man is indeed a physician.