About the Artist
Alphonse Berget was a French astronomer, educator, and science communicator active in the early 20th century. His accessible diagrams and illustrations made complex celestial phenomena understandable to a broad audience, bridging the gap between observatory research and public curiosity.
Berget worked during a period when popular science was gaining momentum, and his visual clarity and precise typography set his work apart. Today, his scientific illustrations are valued not only for their educational merit but also as reflections of a time when astronomy was entering everyday culture.
The Artwork
Colorations variées de la Lune was created to illustrate the changing appearance of the Moon, particularly during lunar eclipses when Earth's atmosphere alters the color of the lunar surface. Rather than depicting a single event, the chart invites viewers to compare and understand the Moon's transformations as observed from Earth.
In 1925, such visual aids were integral to science education and public lectures, reflecting the era's enthusiasm for making astronomy accessible. This vintage scientific print embodies the spirit of discovery and the careful observation that characterized early 20th-century space studies.
Style & Characteristics
The artwork is structured as a scientific plate, displaying a sequence of lunar discs in a clear, comparative arrangement. Each phase is labeled and spaced with precision, creating a sense of order and reference.
Set against a deep black background, the moons transition from pale white through warm oranges to rich copper reds, with subtle hints of blue suggesting atmospheric effects. The overall impression is contemplative and methodical, combining the authority of scientific illustration with the quiet drama of celestial observation.
In Interior Design
This lunar chart adds a sense of structure and intrigue to a home office, library, or living room, serving as both vintage decor and a conversation starter. It pairs seamlessly with other space themed wall art and the refined detail of science illustration prints.
Ideal for minimalist, mid-century, or industrial interiors, it works especially well with matte black frames, white walls, and accents in terracotta, rust, or deep navy. For a moody atmosphere, combine it with curated black wall decor and warm lighting to evoke the ambiance of an eclipse.
