Carte photographique de la lune, planche IX (Photographic Chart of the Moon, plate IX) Possibly 1909 - 1914

Curator: This photographic print is entitled "Carte photographique de la lune, planche IX," or "Photographic Chart of the Moon, plate IX," by Charles Le Morvan. It’s believed to have been created sometime between 1909 and 1914. Editor: Immediately striking is the sheer density of texture. The gradations of tone are almost sculptural in their effect, particularly across the varied crater surfaces. Curator: Precisely! The historical significance of this print lies in its scientific contribution, capturing details of the lunar surface with unprecedented clarity during that era. It's a moment where science and art intersect. Editor: Yes, but even divorced from its scientific context, one can appreciate the interplay of light and shadow, creating such strong compositional contrasts. The distribution of craters, some sharply defined, others fading into soft gradients… It's quite captivating as a purely visual experience. Curator: Its impact on public perception shouldn’t be overlooked. Before these images, the moon was primarily the realm of imagination and poetic fancy. Suddenly, the cold, hard data was there, reshaping cultural and scientific understandings of our nearest celestial neighbor. This contributed to a wider popularization of astronomy. Editor: While its cultural effect is notable, formally, the print almost dissolves into pure abstraction in certain areas. Notice how the surface's granularity evokes a kind of cosmic impressionism, challenging traditional landscape painting, perhaps even anticipating aerial photography's aesthetic. Curator: That's an interesting perspective. For me, it really emphasizes how visual technologies played a crucial role in solidifying European authority, charting space. But beyond simply technical data, Le Morvan also shapes visual meaning. Editor: I see your point about scientific authority. However, the artistry in this presentation can’t be denied; it offers a rich, sensory journey even to our modern eyes. Curator: Thinking about the science, considering photography as evidence of exploration of the Moon is still interesting, beyond how beautiful it may look today. Editor: Indeed. There’s an unexpected depth evoked through a black-and-white lens, as seen in this Le Morvan piece.