Full Moon 1635

Claude Mellan made this engraving of the full moon in the 17th century, using a technique that truly reflects the spirit of the scientific revolution. Look closely, and you’ll see that the image is made from a single, continuous line, spiraling out from the center. The varying thickness and proximity of the lines create the illusion of light and shadow, giving depth to the moon's craters and valleys. The labor is intense, requiring absolute control and precision. It wasn’t only artistic ability that was needed, but scientific accuracy. Mellan was literally mapping the moon. The print demonstrates a shift from traditional artistic practices toward a more empirical, observation-based approach. Mellan wasn't just creating a pretty picture; he was contributing to a growing body of knowledge about the cosmos, and the relationship between science and craft is beautifully evident in this innovative print.