Atlas Photographique de la lune
Artist
Loewy et Puiseux
(French, 1894 - 1909)
Artist
Maurice Loewy
(French (born Czech Republic), 1833 - 1907)
Artist
Pierre Henri Puiseux
(French, 1855 - 1928)
CultureFrench
Date1894-1909
MediumPhotogravure on large format plate
DimensionsOverall, Support: 31 1/2 × 23 1/2 in. (80 × 59.7 cm)
PortfolioAtlas Photographique de la Lune
Credit LineMuseum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank
Object number2016.35.2.3
Not on view
DescriptionPlate D, photograph showing the moon at the waxing gibbous phaseLabel TextMaurice Loewy French, 1833–1907 Pierre Henri Puiseux French, 1855–1928 left Image Obtenue au Foyer de la Lunette, September 19, 1894 Photogravure (etching made from photographic negative) on large format plate right Image Obtenue au Foyer de la Lunette, February 23, 1896 Photogravure (etching made from photographic negative) on large format plate From Atlas Photographique de la Lune, 1894–1909 The astronomers Maurice Lowey and Pierre Henri Puiseux began a photographic study of the moon in 1900 that lasted 15 years, continuing after Puiseux’s death in 1907. The end result was a nearly comprehensive atlas of the lunar surface that consisted of 10,000 photographs—possibly the first document of its kind. The astronomers worked with various photographers to capture their telescopic views and then had the images printed with details about the precise date and hour of exposure. The project took so long to complete because making the photographs required perfect weather conditions, with clear skies and bright views appearing for only 50 or 60 nights per year. Museum purchase, in memory of Alice R. and Sol B. Frank 2016.35.2.1, 2016.35.2.3 ProvenanceThe work was chosen from the inventory of Serge Kakou in September 2016, when it was sent to the Museum for review. After consideration by curator Seth Feman, chief curator Lloyd DeWitt, and director Erik Neil, the photograph was held on consignment. Purchased by the museum in December 2016.Exhibition History"Photographs Take Time: Pictures from the Chrysler Collection," Chrysler Museum of Art, Norfolk, VA, April 6 - August 26, 2018.
