The Moon in its Final Quarter 1635

Claude Mellan made this engraving of 'The Moon in its Final Quarter' at some point in the mid-seventeenth century. The image presents a striking example of the intense astronomical observation that was taking place at this time. Mellan was working in a moment where the authority of the church was being challenged by scientific discovery. The detailed depiction of the moon's surface, complete with craters and shadows, reflects a growing empirical approach to understanding the natural world. Mellan's choice of engraving, a medium that allowed for precise lines and tonal variations, highlights the artist's commitment to capturing the moon's physical features with scientific accuracy. As art historians, we can look to period scientific documents, such as the records of the Royal Society in England, to better understand the cultural context of this work. Mellan’s print speaks to a time when art and science were increasingly intertwined, each informing and influencing the other.