Carte photographique de la lune, planche XX (Photographic Chart of the Moon, plate XX) Possibly 1899 - 1914

This is "Photographic Chart of the Moon, plate XX" made by Charles Le Morvan, though without a specified date, it’s likely from the late 19th or early 20th century. Looking at the image, it's fascinating to think about how it was made through a photographic process, layering light and shadow to map out the moon's surface. What strikes me is the texture of the image, the way the light plays across the craters and valleys of the moon. It feels almost like looking at a drawing made with charcoal or graphite, each mark carefully placed to build up a sense of depth and volume. Notice the crater in the upper right, with its jagged edges and dark interior. The tonal variation in this area gives it an almost sculptural quality. There's a sense of wonder and curiosity that comes through in this image, as if Le Morvan was inviting us to join him on a journey of exploration and discovery. It reminds me a bit of Vija Celmins' meticulous drawings of the night sky, or even some of the early abstract expressionists who were trying to capture the sublime in their work. Ultimately, it's a reminder that art is an ongoing conversation, with each artist building upon the ideas and techniques of those who came before.