Carte photographique de la lune, planche XIII.A (Photographic Chart of the Moon, plate XIII.A) Possibly 1902 - 1914

This photographic chart of the moon, plate XIII.A, was made by Charles Le Morvan in the late 19th or early 20th century. It's a reminder that art doesn't always need color to be expressive. Here, the artist uses subtle tonal variations, from dark shadows to bright highlights, creating a landscape of craters and crevices. The grainy texture and stark contrast add a tactile quality, almost like you could reach out and touch the moon's surface. There’s a large crater near the bottom left. Look how the light catches the edge, making it appear almost luminous, casting a shadow that hints at the moon's hidden depths. It’s like peering into another world. This exploration of light and form reminds me of the work of Vija Celmins, who also used graphite to create incredibly detailed images of the moon and stars. Both artists invite us to contemplate the beauty and mystery of the universe, one careful mark at a time.