Astronomical Images : General table of the phases of the Moon

Johannes Hevelius

Astronomical Images

<p style='text-align: justify;'>The <i>Selenographia</i>, literally meaning 'descriptions of the Moon' was published by Johannes Hevelius (1611-1687) in 1647. In addition to descriptions of the surface of the Moon, the book also contained other telescopic observations by Hevelius, as well as explanations of instruments. The <i>Selenographia</i> is an unusual publication in the extent to which an author controlled the printed presentation of his work. The book contained observations made by Hevelius at his observatory using instruments (several of which he invented or improved upon), drawn and noted down by himself, then engraved by himself ' several images bear the signature: <i>auctor sculpsit</i> (the author engraved) ' and published at his own expense. This avoided complications and errors that might be introduced during the publication process by other artists and printers. The book itself contains a wide range of representations of the Moon, including a series of the surface of the Moon through its phases. 'Fig. R' here is called 'the general table of the phases of the Moon'. It is a generalised table in the sense that the figure is a composite of observations made over a long period of time, and the details assimilated into one figure, with shadows added to the crater to provide a sense of depth. The putto in the top left corner holds a banner, explaining that this general table was diligently and ichnographically drawn and engraved with the help of the telescope. The putto on the right holds a banner from Psalm 111:2, 'Great are the works of the Lord, studied by all who delight in them.' The putti at the bottom show the use of the telescope and the compass.</p>