The Trouvelot Astronomical Drawings

Superb pastel illustrations from French artist, astronomer and amateur entomologist, Étienne Léopold Trouvelot (who apparently is most noted for the unfortunate introduction of the Gypsy Moth into North America):


The planet Jupiter. Observed November 1, 1880, at 9h. 30m. P.M. (1881-1882)

The planet Mars. Observed September 3, 1877, at 11h. 55m. P.M. (1881-1882)

Trouvelot's drawings of celestial phenomena were so good that the Director of Harvard College Observatory invited Trouvelot to use their powerful telescope. During the course of his life he produced about 7,000 quality astronomical illustrations. 15 of his best pastel illustrations were published by Charles Scribner's Sons in 1881.

Trouvelot Astronomical Drawings at the NYPL Digital Gallery

Via but does it float