The Flammarion Engraving
Woodcut-style print on paper • Attributed to Camille Flammarion or an anonymous engraver commissioned for his book
Style & Movement
19th-century Historicism / Neo-medievalism (frequently mistaken for 16th-century German Renaissance)
Medium & Technique
Wood engraving or line engraving, characterized by crisp hatchwork and decorative borders
Creation Period
circa 1888
Dimensions & Format
Small format wood engraving, approximately 4 x 5 inches, landscape orientation
Subject Description
A pilgrim emerges from the edge of the sky (the firmament) to glimpse the mechanical workings of the cosmos beyond. It depicts a flat-earth medieval cosmology meeting the celestial realm, featuring a sun with a face, stars, and rotating celestial wheels.
Condition & Value Assessment
Condition Assessment
Excellent (assuming modern reproduction or well-preserved original page)
Estimated Market Value
$50 - $500 (depending on whether it is a contemporary print or an original page from the 1888 edition)
Auction Estimate
$200 - $400 for an original 1888 edition leaf
Provenance History
First appeared in Camille Flammarion's 1888 book 'L'atmosphère: météorologie populaire' (The Atmosphere: Popular Meteorology)
Art Historical Significance
A seminal image in the history of science and popular culture. It is widely used to illustrate the quest for scientific knowledge and the discovery of the universe's mechanics.
Notable Features
Includes a decorative border of scrolls and mythical beasts; unique for its successful pastiche of 16th-century woodcut styles.
Condition Issues
Potential yellowing of paper or foxing if referring to an original 1888 specimen; no visible issues in the provided image.
Conservation Recommendations
Acid-free matting and UV-protective glass if framed; maintain stable humidity levels