Lick Observatory

A repro of a photochrom of Lick Observatory in Mt. Hamilton, California, circa 1902 captures the observatory in a rich array of colors, showcasing the architectural details and surrounding landscape. The vegetation of trees and mountain flora are colored in vivid greens and earthy tones that were typical of the time. The shades of the sky capture the atmosphere and time of day. 

Why We Picked It
As one of America's oldest observatories, Lick Observatory's rich history and architectural splendor are captured in a time of immense progress in astronomical observation. It will appeal to those who appreciate both the beauty of historical architecture, the backdrop of the environment and the innovative methods used to create this homage to science.

Notable Context
As the United States underwent rapid industrialization and urbanization, there emerged a growing interest in scientific exploration and discovery. the popularity of photochrom prints during this period speaks to a broader cultural shift towards visual representation and documentation. The art captures a moment in time when the boundaries between art and science blurred, as artists and scientists collaborated to convey the majesty of the universe through the medium of photography.

Photochrom prints were a colorization technique popular in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Photochrom prints were known for their attention to detail and ability to convey a sense of realism with color.

The Lick Observatory is an astronomical observatory located on the summit of Mount Hamilton in the Diablo Range of the California Coast Ranges, east of San Jose, California, USA. It is one of the oldest observatories in the United States, and its construction was funded by James Lick, a wealthy California landowner and philanthropist, in the late 19th century.

The main telescope at Lick Observatory is known as the Great Lick Refractor. It was the largest refracting telescope in the world upon its completion in 1888 and remained so until the early 20th century. The telescope has an impressive focal length of 57 feet (17 meters) and a lens diameter of 36 inches (91 cm), allowing for detailed observations of celestial objects.

 In 1892, astronomer E.E. Barnard used the telescope to discover Amalthea, one of Jupiter's moons. Additionally, the telescope played a key role in mapping the surfaces of the Moon and Mars during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.