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

"Back of Hand & Shrivelled Apple. To illustrate the origin of certain mountain ranges by shrinkage of the globe" is a photographic work by the Scottish engineer James Nasmyth, created before 1873. The image presents a hand and an apple juxtaposed, suggesting a parallel between the wrinkles of the apple's skin and the formation of mountains on Earth. Nasmyth, known for his work in astronomy and engineering, utilized this visual comparison to demonstrate his theory of the earth's shrinking, resulting in the creation of mountain ranges. The piece is currently located at the Rijksmuseum, showcasing the intersection of science and art in the 19th century.