"Full Moon"

1864

Lewis M. Rutherfurd

Associated Names
Lewis M. Rutherfurd

Artist, American, 1816 - 1892

This image presents a stereoscopic view of the full moon, captured in two identical photographs placed side by side. The point of view is directed towards the moon, displaying its surface in detail with prominent craters and dark and light areas. The horizon is not applicable in this context as the image focuses solely on the lunar body. The photographs do not appear to involve brushstrokes, as this is more likely a photographic print showing the monochrome details of the moon's surface. The overall color palette is simple, dominated by shades of black, white, and grey, creating a stark and high-contrast effect against the deep black background of space, which is bordered by a wide, vibrant blue frame.

Media Options

This object’s media is free and in the public domain. Read our full Open Access policy for images.

Artwork overview

  • Medium

    stereoscopic albumen silver print

  • Credit Line

    Gift of Mary and Dan Solomon

  • Dimensions

    image (each): 7.5 × 7.3 cm (2 15/16 × 2 7/8 in.)
    sheet: 7.5 × 14.6 cm (2 15/16 × 5 3/4 in.)
    mount: 8.5 × 17.5 cm (3 3/8 × 6 7/8 in.)

  • Accession Number

    2018.21.2


Artwork history & notes

Provenance

Mary and Dan Solomon, Monarch Beach, CA; gift to NGA, 2018.

Associated Names

Exhibition History

2019

  • By the Light of the Silvery Moon: A Century of Lunar Photographs, National Gallery of Art, Washington, 2019 - 2020, unnumbered catalogue.

Inscriptions

lower left and right in negative: Full Moon, from negatives by L. M. Rutherfurd. / Taken Sept. 15 and Nov. 13, 1864.


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