Gaetano Dura, Lunar Discovery, Lithograph, 1836

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Lunar discovery is a lithograph made by Gaetano Dura. Title on the lower center. Published by Lithography Fergola, Naples (printed … Read more Lunar discovery is a lithograph made by Gaetano Dura. Title on the lower center. Published by Lithography Fergola, Naples (printed on lower center). On lower right is printed: Museo Aeronautico Caproni Taliedo. Includes frame: 46.5 x 58 cm. Good conditions, except for some foxings. This lithograph illustrates one of the six articles, titled " Great Moon Hoax ", published in The Sun , a newspaper of New York, in 1835, about the possible discovery of life and civilization on the Moon. The discoveries were falsely attributed to Sir John Herschel , one of the most well-known astronomers at the time. The intention of the article's anonymous author, who later revealed his identity (Richard Adams Locke), was likely satirical, even though it was taken for real news. All the articles were translated into various languages and published internationally. In 1836, an Italian translation of the French edition was published in Naples with the title " Delle scoperte fatte nella luna del dottor Giovanni Herschel ". Gaetano Dura is the author of all the lithographs inside the collection of articles. Gaetano Dura (Cassano Jonio/Cosenza, 1805 - Naples, 1878) was a very famous Italian lithographer, watercolor artist, and poet. Lunar discovery, original title Scoperta Lunare, is a fun lithograph that represents the arrival on the Moon of Pulcinella , the traditional Neapolitan mask created during the second half of the XVI century for the Commedia dell'Arte. This piece is attributed to the mentioned designer/maker. It has no attribution mark and no
official proof of authenticity,
however it is well documented in design history. I take full responsibility for any authenticity



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