A philosopher in his study, consulted by an old woman to determine from a flask of urine whether the young woman accompanying her is pregnant. Oil painting by Egbert van Heemskerck or a follower of Egbert van Heemskerck, ca. 1680/1799.

The philosopher, wearing a striped gown, sits at a table on which is a large open book and around which are many, mostly blue and white, drug jars. The old lady approaches him from the right, holding a flask of urine; she is followed by a younger woman in exotic dress. On the right margin is the outstretched hand of an unseen figure, suggesting that the canvas has been cropped at the right edge. A painting by Van Heemskerck of a similar subject was offered for sale by Sotheby's, London, 17 December 1998, lot 332 (signed EH)