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.
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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.

National Gallery of Art · Photograph

"Full Moon"

Lewis M. Rutherfurd

Date
1864
Medium
stereoscopic albumen silver print
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.)
Classification
Photograph
Accession number
2018.21.2
Credit line
Gift of Mary and Dan Solomon
Time span
1851 to 1875
Department
CPH

Subjects and terms

  • American
  • albumen silver print
  • Moon
  • Astronomy
  • Science
  • outer space
  • Nature
  • history
  • Stereograph
Provenance

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

Inscription

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

NGA object ID 213437. Collection metadata is reproduced under CC0. This work is included because its NGA published-image record is marked open access; visitors should recheck the source record before substantial reuse.