The Moon: Considered as a Planet, a World, and a Satellite

1885

Not on view

Nasmyth’s simulated views of the moon supported his specious claim that the craggy pockmarked lunar surface was the result of volcanic activity. Rather than declaring Nasmyth’s methodology unscientific, however, his contemporaries lauded the visual effects and found his arguments convincing. This reception suggests that the photographic medium itself imbued the images with a sense of veracity that lent them scientific authority.

Artwork Details

Overview

Exhibition History

Title: The Moon: Considered as a Planet, a World, and a Satellite
Artist: James Nasmyth (British, Edinburgh, Scotland 1808–1890 London)
Author: James Carpenter (British, 1840–1899)
Publisher: Scribner and Welford (New York, NY)
Date: 1885
Medium: Woodburytypes
Dimensions: Image: 3 7/8 in. × 5 in. (9.8 × 12.7 cm)
Sheet: 8 7/8 × 6 1/8 in. (22.5 × 15.6 cm)
Spread (approx., in cradle): 9 3/16 × 13 3/16 × 1 in. (23.4 × 33.5 × 2.5 cm)
Classification: Books
Credit Line: Joyce F. Menschel Photography Library
Object Number: QB581 .N210 1885 Rare Books
Curatorial Department: Photographs

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