Laatste kwartier van de maan 1635 - 1688

"Laatste kwartier van de maan" (Last Quarter of the Moon), a 17th century etching by French artist Claude Mellan (1598-1688), depicts a detailed and accurate representation of the moon's surface. The intricate detail of the craters, shadows, and light reflecting off the surface of the moon showcases Mellan's mastery of the etching technique and his interest in scientific observation. This work exemplifies the 17th century's growing fascination with the natural world and the burgeoning field of astronomy. The etching is currently on display at the Rijksmuseum in Amsterdam.