The Phases of the Moon

Maria Clara Eimmart grew up in her father's observatory in Nuremberg and became a fine astronomer in her own right, making some three hundred and fifty exquisite drawings of the Moon through every stage of its cycle — luminous chalk and pastel on board primed a deep blue, the changing face of the Moon rendered with a patience and beauty few equalled. She died in childbirth at thirty-one, and was very nearly forgotten. Her Moons are a quiet monument to a lost talent, and to all the women who watched the sky.

Maker

Maria Clara Eimmart

Date

c. 1690s

Medium of the original

Plate

Original held by

Nuremberg Observatory · Linda Hall Library

Credit

Nuremberg Observatory · Linda Hall Library

Rights

Public domain, verified

Catalogue number

PA-00975