[Spiral of Lightning in a Thunderstorm] 1886

Charles Moussette's "Spiral of Lightning in a Thunderstorm" is a captivating photographic study of a natural phenomenon, captured in 1886. The image, held by the Metropolitan Museum of Art, presents a singular lightning strike in the dark sky, its path tracing a sinuous, spiraling form. This evocative depiction showcases the artist's interest in capturing the fleeting beauty and power of nature through the lens of photography, contributing to the growing genre of nature photography in the late 19th century. The image's simplicity and stark contrast between the dark background and the bright lightning bolt create a dramatic and memorable visual that resonates with viewers even today.