Verandering van een cluster zonnevlekken gedurende zeven dagen Possibly 1870 - 1879

Here is an image of sunspots, documented by Lewis M. Rutherford, most likely created sometime in the 19th century. It's made with photographic techniques, capturing changes in sunspots over seven days. These aren't the traditional materials of art, but photography allowed for unprecedented objectivity and precision. In this case, it’s used to observe and record scientific phenomena. The process itself involves careful observation and meticulous documentation, reflecting a commitment to empirical accuracy. The choice of photography, with its indexical relationship to the visible world, adds layers of meaning to the image. These methods are rooted in both scientific inquiry and technological innovation. The series of images, arranged systematically, emphasize the passage of time and the dynamic nature of the cosmos, inviting viewers to contemplate the intersection of science and visual representation. It underscores how new technologies change our relationship to the world.