Charles Le Morvan
Charles Le Morvan was a photographer active during a highly concentrated period spanning 1899 through 1902. His known output focuses exclusively on technical or scientific subjects, indicating a specialized role in astronomical documentation at the turn of the century. Fifteen of Le Morvan's photographs are represented in museum collections, confirming the importance of his work in early twentieth-century scientific imaging.
His most notable achievement is the series detailing the surface of the Moon. This significant body of work is titled Carte photographique de la lune. Specific plates from this comprehensive project represented in collections include Carte photographique de la lune, planche XIV, Carte photographique de la lune, planche XVII, and Carte photographique de la lune, planche XXIII. The precision of these surviving originals classifies them as early examples of high-quality prints documenting celestial phenomena.
The historical and artistic merit of Le Morvan’s contribution is established by the inclusion of his photographs in major institutions, such as the collection of the National Gallery of Art. Due to the age of the original photographic plates, many Charles Le Morvan prints are now available for study, having entered the public domain.
