Solar system

L1073-006

Solar system Long Caption: One of a set of twelve hand-coloured astronomical prints with an explanatory card. These are contained in a brown striped portfolio with blue marbled paper along the spine, embossed with gold lettering on the front, reading 'Astronomical Diagrams. The publisher is identified on each print as J. Reynolds or James Reynolds of the Strand, London. These cards were first issued by Reynolds in 1846, although he and other publishers continued to produce them throughout the second half of the 19th century. They responded to a perceived market for popular science products and were intended for informal learning within the home. They could be bought in sets or singly and, at a price of 1 shilling, were affordable to middle class audiences. Credit line: © National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London Object: AST0051.6 Artist: James Reynolds Date: 1846-1860 Medium: engraving Size: 292 mm x 235 mm Click here to buy a bespoke print of this image.