Carte photographique de la lune, planche X (Photographic Chart of the Moon, plate X) Possibly 1905 - 1914

Charles Le Morvan made this photographic chart of the moon using astronomical photography, a method that was at the intersection of science and art. At the time, photography was still a relatively new medium and was rapidly changing how people perceived the world. Le Morvan was working during a period of intense scientific exploration and discovery, but also one where photography still held a strong artistic value. This image of the moon wasn't just a scientific document; it was also an aesthetic object, carefully composed and printed. Consider the emotional impact of seeing such a detailed image of the moon. It invites a sense of wonder and curiosity about the universe. It reflects a broader societal fascination with progress, knowledge, and humanity's place in the cosmos. This photograph embodies both the ambition of scientific progress and the profound, timeless human experience of looking up at the night sky and wondering.