Maan in het eerste kwartier before 1873

Here is a photograph of the first quarter moon by Lewis M. Rutherfurd, published in London in 1873. The book, titled 'The Moon: Her Motions, Aspect, Scenery, and Physical Condition', places Rutherfurd's lunar photographs alongside the writings of Richard A. Proctor. At a time when photography was still a relatively new technology, images of the moon provided a unique perspective on the cosmos. These were moments of scientific advancement but also moments of aesthetic appreciation, reflecting a deep cultural fascination with astronomy. Rutherfurd’s photograph captures the moon in great detail, presenting it not just as a celestial body but as a landscape worthy of exploration. I am always struck by the collaboration between science and art that this book embodies, inviting us to consider the emotional and imaginative dimensions of scientific discovery.