Back of Hand & Shrivelled Apple. To illustrate the origin of certain mountain ranges by shrinkage of the globe before 1873

This 19th-century photograph by James Nasmyth juxtaposes the back of a hand with a shrivelled apple. The image aims to illustrate how mountain ranges are formed by the shrinkage of the globe. Nasmyth was a Scottish engineer, not a formally trained artist. Here, he cleverly exploits the emerging medium of photography to disseminate scientific ideas. This speaks to the Victorian era’s fascination with science and the rise of visual culture. The comparative images seek to make an abstract geological process tangible. However, the image could be viewed as a comment on the human condition. The wrinkled skin of the hand mirrors the aged, shrivelled apple. Both suggest themes of aging, decay, and the inevitable passage of time. To fully understand this image, we must consider the history of science communication and the social context of Victorian Britain. Resources like scientific journals, personal letters, and institutional records are crucial for unlocking the broader cultural significance of this curious photograph.