Kraters op de maan before 1900

This image of the moon's surface was made with photography and lithography, processes of mechanical reproduction that democratized image-making. The photograph captures an almost alien landscape, documenting the moon's craters with scientific precision. Lithography, a printing technique involving drawing on stone, then transfers the photographic image to paper in a series of laborious steps. It's a process intimately connected to the rise of mass media and visual culture. The high-contrast monochrome image is a product of its time, and these processes have imbued the artwork with significance. This combination created a detailed representation of the lunar surface for mass consumption. Consider the labor involved, from operating telescopes and cameras to the skilled hands of lithographers. The image becomes a testament to human ingenuity and collective effort. By understanding the materials, making, and context, we can appreciate the profound intersection of science, craft, and society.