Gezicht op de maan before 1898

This photograph of the moon, known as Gezicht op de maan, was made by Loewy et Puiseux in Paris. It’s one of many plates within a larger atlas, a testament to the enduring human desire to document and understand our universe. What makes this image compelling is the process by which it was created. Back then, photography was a complex alchemical process. Every detail, from the texture of the lunar surface to the subtle gradations of light and shadow, speaks to the labor-intensive techniques involved. Photographers like Loewy et Puiseux had to be scientists and craftsmen, mixing chemicals, manipulating light, and meticulously printing their images. Looking at this photograph, one can appreciate the immense amount of work required to capture this seemingly simple image. It is a testament to the skilled traditions of photography, pushing the boundaries of science and art. By recognizing the amount of work that went into it, we begin to question traditional divisions between high art and craft.