Considering that NASA just released the highest resolution image of Earth that the world has ever seen, it’s kind of hard to imagine that once upon a time we had to rely on artists to show us what the planets might look like. While these early illustrations were based on astronomical observations, and in many cases, are surprisingly detailed given how crude the available technology, we think they function even better as works of art. Click through to check out a selection of recently-digitized drawings by 19th-century artist (and Harvard College Observatory employee) E.L. Trouvelot, and head over to LiveScience to view the full gallery.
Image credit: E.L. Trouvelot. Courtesy of the New York Public Library
Image credit: E.L. Trouvelot. Courtesy of the New York Public Library
Image credit: E.L. Trouvelot. Courtesy of the New York Public Library
Image credit: E.L. Trouvelot. Courtesy of the New York Public Library
Image credit: E.L. Trouvelot. Courtesy of the New York Public Library
Image credit: E.L. Trouvelot. Courtesy of the New York Public Library
[via Retroist]