ARTWORKS

Sunspot

James Nasmyth (1808–1890)

Science Museum

Sunspot

Image credit: Science Museum / Science & Society Picture Library

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Notes

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Black and white painting showing the size of a sunspot against that of the Earth. Working from sketches made directly at his telescope, the artist used his considerable artistic skill to produce this 1860 portrayal of the Sun.

Nasmyth, a successful industrialist and engineer, made extensive solar observations after he retired from business in Manchester and moved to a new home near Hawkhurst in Kent, England. Through his observations, Nasmyth discovered fine-scale solar features, which he called 'willow-leaf-shaped objects', a detail that is clearly evident in this painting. Difficult to view, their existence was disputed for many years; these features are now known as solar granulation.

Science Museum

London

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Title

Sunspot

Date

1860

Medium

oil, lampblack & distemper on paper

Measurements

H 43.5 x W 47 cm

Accession number

1899-61

Acquisition method

purchased from the artist, 1899

Work type

Painting

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Science Museum

Exhibition Road, South Kensington, London, Greater London SW7 2DD England

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Artist or maker

James Nasmyth

1808–1890

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