{"product_id":"old-infographic-map-of-the-moon-by-gaudibert-1877-509-crater-index-maria-and-rays-heliogravure","title":"Old \"La Lune\" Map of the Moon by Gaudibert, 1877: 509-crater index, maria and rays, heliogravure","description":"\u003cp\u003eCarte Général de la Lune (1877) is a landmark portrait of the Moon that marries rigorous observation with elegant design. Conceived under the direction of the renowned astronomer Camille Flammarion and grounded in Casimir Marie Gaudibert’s more than 15 years of nightly study, it charts the lunar face with uncommon clarity and confidence. The map’s central subject is lunar geography—an exacting census of basins, maria, and especially craters—framed by a refined infographic program that makes complex selenography accessible at a glance. Its enduring interest lies in the balance it strikes: the precision of a scientific document paired with the visual seduction of 19th‑century engraving, a fusion that earned the work recognition in contemporary scientific circles.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe map’s informational architecture is meticulously staged. A comprehensive index flanks the lunar disk on left and right, enumerating 509 craters with names that trace the intellectual lineage of astronomy—an atlas of thinkers stamped into the Moon itself. Each entry corresponds to carefully placed labels on the surface, enabling swift cross‑reference from list to feature. Tonal shading sculpts relief, distinguishing bright, ray‑strewn impact sites from the quieter expanses of the maria, while delicate textures articulate ridges, terraces, and worn crater rims. The result is an infographic that feels intuitive: an elegant cycle of seeing, locating, and understanding, guided by a prominent title cartouche that credits the project’s distinguished contributors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBehind the image is a story of extraordinary collaboration. Though an amateur, Gaudibert’s perseverance and disciplined methodology elevated him into the company of professionals; a crater now bears his name, and his surveys informed not only this plate but also a lunar globe published by Émile Bertaux. Flammarion’s role shaped the work’s scientific voice, while artist Léon Fenet translated raw data into expressive form—an interplay that typifies the era’s finest popular astronomy. Executed via heliogravure, a photomechanical process prized for tonal fidelity, the printing captures the subtlest gradients of shadow across highlands and plains. This synthesis of craft and science models a 19th‑century ideal: knowledge made beautiful, and beauty made instructive.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe composition rewards close reading. Emblematic landmarks such as Tycho and Copernicus likely anchor the southern and central highlands with their luminous ray systems, while serenely shaded maria—including the famed Mare Tranquillitatis—form velvety plains that temper the drama of sharper relief. Around these, concentric crater walls, interrupted ramparts, and faint rilles emerge through nuanced chiaroscuro, allowing viewers to infer relative age and erosional history. The map’s labeling cadence invites exploration: prominent features command larger type, while secondary notations whisper along the periphery of basins and domes. What begins as a single lunar visage unfolds into a layered narrative of impacts, floods, and slow time etched in stone.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAs an early, authoritative survey of the Moon, Carte Général de la Lune captures a pivotal moment before photography fully superseded the draughtsman’s eye. Its data offered astronomers a shared reference for naming, comparing, and debating features, and its visual clarity helped standardize selenographic understanding for decades. For collectors, it embodies a rare confluence: the integrity of firsthand observation, the charisma of heliogravure, and the intellectual heritage cataloged in its 509-name index. More than a map, it is a conversation between patient observers and inspired artisans—an enduring testament to how human attention can transform a distant, silent world into a legible, enthralling place.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePlaces on this map\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNumerous craters, often with intricate names and designations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eNotable features such as \"Tycho,\" \"Copernicus,\" and \"Mare Tranquillitatis\" may be present (though specific visibility depends on the actual image interpretation).\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eNotable Features \u0026amp; Landmarks\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDetailed representation of the lunar surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA list on the left and right side, identifying 509 craters.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCraters with complex names, some likely derived from notable astronomers and scientists.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe artistic representation of surface textures and shading effects.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe prominent cartouche indicating the title and contributors.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHistorical and design context\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eName of the map: Carte Général de la Lune.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eYear of creation: 1877.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eMapmaker\/publisher: Casimir Marie Gaudibert; published by Émile Bertaux.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCreated under the direction of renowned astronomer Camille Flammarion.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eBased on over 15 years of meticulous observations by Casimir Marie Gaudibert, an amateur astronomer.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKnown for its accuracy and detail, receiving recognition in the scientific community.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe publisher, Bertaux, used Gaudibert's data for a lunar globe, highlighting his impact on lunar cartography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA crater on the Moon has been named in honor of Gaudibert, reflecting his contributions to astronomy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAlthough Gaudibert was an amateur, his work gained acknowledgment in serious scientific circles and contributed significantly to lunar geography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAstronomical collaboration: the fusion of artistry by Léon Fenet and scientific data from Gaudibert elevated the understanding of the Moon's topography.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFocuses exclusively on the Moon, featuring its craters and topographical features without Earth geographic delineations.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDesign\/style: infographic approach with artistic representation of the Moon's surface.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEmploys a heliogravure technique, known for high-quality printing.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA rich color palette reflects lunar surface textures and features.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHistorical significance: an early lunar survey emphasizing collaboration between astronomers and illustrators in enhancing knowledge of the Moon.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003eget in touch\u003c\/a\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003ePlease note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 16in (40cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.\u003c\/p\u003e \u003cp\u003eThe model in the listing images is holding the 18x24in (45x60cm) version of this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThe fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eIf you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the \u003ca href=\"\/collections\/all-old-vintage-antique-maps\"\u003ebest old maps\u003c\/a\u003e to see if something else catches your eye.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003ePlease \u003ca href=\"\/pages\/contact-us\"\u003econtact me\u003c\/a\u003e to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex\/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"The Unique Maps Co.","offers":[{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Map","offer_id":57781790245248,"sku":"UM00271261A","price":688.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":57781790278016,"sku":"UM00271262A","price":1508.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"18x24in (45x60cm) \/ Framed canvas map","offer_id":57781790310784,"sku":"UM00271263A","price":0.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Map","offer_id":57781790343552,"sku":"UM00271264A","price":688.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed map","offer_id":57781790376320,"sku":"UM00271265A","price":1508.0,"currency_code":"CNY","in_stock":true},{"title":"A2 (420x594mm) \/ Framed canvas 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