Print of New Discoveries on the Moon

Print. Nouvelles decouvertes dans la lune, Faites par Sir John Herschel, dans son observatoire du cap de bonne-esperance, d'apres les dessins publies par le journal des Sciences d'Edinbourg (Edinburgh Journal of Science). / Lith. de Thierry Frères, n.d. [1788-1834/38?]. Lithograph, 27.3x28.3cm on sheet trimmed to 33x41cm. Fantasy idyll of lunar paradise - neoclassical repose, birds of paradise, animals and winged men dancing in harmonious groups. Satire on astronomical observation and popular beliefs as to life on the moon; possibly connected with or following a 'Moon hoax' perpetuated by the New York Sun in 1835. Sir John Herschel visited South Africa 1834-1838