Giant Map of the Moon and its Mountains by Schmidt, 1878: Rare Chart of Craters, Rilles, Elevations

The "Charte der Gebirge des Mondes" by J. F. Julius Schmidt, created in 1878, stands as a monumental achievement in the field of selenography. This map, translating to "Charts of the Mountains of the Moon," is an extraordinary representation of the lunar surface, capturing an unprecedented level of detail and accuracy. Schmidt's work is not merely a depiction of the Moon's conventional peaks and ranges but a comprehensive illustration of its topographical features, including craters, rilles, and minor elevations. This map is a testament to the meticulous precision and dedication of 19th-century German mapmakers.

What sets this map apart is its remarkable depiction of over 33,000 craters, far surpassing the efforts of Schmidt's contemporaries, such as Lohrmann and Beer and Mädler. Each crater, referred to as a "ring mountain," is meticulously detailed, reflecting Schmidt's extensive measurements and estimations of peak heights and crater depths. His work involved a painstaking process of observation and documentation, resulting in a map that remains largely unchallenged by modern standards. The level of detail captured in this map makes it a valuable resource for both historical and contemporary lunar studies.

The design and style of Schmidt's map are characteristic of the precision and artistry of German cartography in the 19th century. The hand-drawn elements, combined with the large format of the map, create a visually stunning and informative piece. Composed of 25 individual map sheets, each section of the lunar surface is presented with exceptional clarity and accuracy. This map not only serves as a scientific document but also as a work of art, showcasing the skill and dedication of its creator.

Schmidt, often heralded as "the great Schmidt of Athens," was a prominent figure in the field of selenography during his time. His contributions to lunar mapping were unparalleled, and his meticulous approach to documenting the Moon's surface set a new standard for accuracy and detail. The "Charte der Gebirge des Mondes" is a reflection of Schmidt's passion for lunar studies and his commitment to advancing our understanding of the Moon's topography.

The historical significance of this map cannot be overstated. As the most accurate hand-drawn lunar map of its time, it represents the pinnacle of 19th-century lunar cartography. Schmidt's work laid the foundation for future lunar exploration and mapping, providing a detailed and reliable reference for scientists and astronomers. The "Charte der Gebirge des Mondes" is not only a valuable historical artifact but also a testament to the enduring legacy of J. F. Julius Schmidt and his contributions to the field of selenography.

Places on this map

• Various craters (referred to as "ring mountains")
• Rilles (long, narrow depressions)
• Minor elevations and peaks on the lunar surface

Notable Features & Landmarks

• Detailed topography of the Moon's surface
• Extensive depiction of craters, rilles, and minor elevations
• Over 33,000 craters depicted, surpassing the efforts of contemporaries like Lohrmann and Beer and Mädler
• Extensive measurements and estimations of peak heights and crater depths
• Composed of 25 map sheets, each detailing different sections of the lunar surface

Historical and design context

• Created in 1878 by J. F. Julius Schmidt
• Known as "Charte der Gebirge des Mondes" (Charts of the Mountains of the Moon)
• Schmidt was often heralded as "the great Schmidt of Athens" during the 19th century
• Hand-drawn with meticulous precision characteristic of German mapmakers of the period
• Nearly 2 meters square, making it a large and detailed wall map
• Considered the most accurate hand-drawn lunar map of its time
• Represents the pinnacle of 19th-century selenography
• Schmidt's measurements and depictions remain largely unchallenged by modern standards
• Reflects 19th-century advancements in lunar mapping and selenography
• Demonstrates the precision and dedication of German mapmakers of the period

Please double check the images to make sure that a specific town or place is shown on this map. You can also get in touch and ask us to check the map for you.

This map looks great at every size, but I always recommend going for a larger size if you have space. That way you can easily make out all of the details.

This map looks amazing at sizes all the way up to 100in (250cm). If you are looking for a larger map, please get in touch.

Please note: the labels on this map are hard to read if you order a map that is 36in (90cm) or smaller. The map is still very attractive, but if you would like to read the map easily, please buy a larger size.

The model in the listing images is holding the 16x16in (40x40cm) version of this map.

The fifth listing image shows an example of my map personalisation service.

If you’re looking for something slightly different, check out my collection of the best old maps to see if something else catches your eye.

Please contact me to check if a certain location, landmark or feature is shown on this map.

This would make a wonderful birthday, Christmas, Father's Day, work leaving, anniversary or housewarming gift for someone from the areas covered by this map.

This map is available as a giclée print on acid free archival matte paper, or you can buy it framed. The frame is a nice, simple black frame that suits most aesthetics. Please get in touch if you'd like a different frame colour or material. My frames are glazed with super-clear museum-grade acrylic (perspex/acrylite), which is significantly less reflective than glass, safer, and will always arrive in perfect condition.

For most orders, delivery time is about 3 working days. Personalised and custom made maps take longer, as I have to do the personalisation and send it to you for approval, which usually takes a day or two.

Please note that for larger framed orders (over 40in/100cm), and some other framed sizes, the delivery time will be closer to 7-10 days.

If you need your order to arrive by a certain date, please contact me before you order so that we can find the best way of making sure you get your order in time.

I print and frame maps in 22 countries around the world. This means your map will be made locally, which cuts down on delivery time and reduces the chance of your map being damaged during delivery. There won't be any extra taxes or duties to pay, and we'll put less CO2 into the air.

All of my maps are well packaged and sent in a rugged tube if unframed, or surrounded by foam if framed.

I try to send out all maps within 1 or 2 days of receiving your order, though some products (like face masks or mugs) can take longer to make.

If you select Express Delivery at checkout your order we will prioritise your order and send it out by 1-day courier (Fedex, DHL, UPS, Parcelforce).

We can sometimes do next-day delivery if you order before 10am. But usually it's best to contact me first before you order.

Read my full delivery and local production guide

My standard frame is a gallery style black ash hardwood frame. It is simple and quite modern looking. My standard frame is around 20mm (0.8in) wide.

I use super-clear acrylic (perspex/acrylite) for the frame glass. It's lighter and safer than glass - and it looks better, as the reflectivity is lower.

Six standard frame colours are available for free (black, dark brown, dark grey, oak, white and antique gold). Custom framing and mounting/matting is available if you're looking for something else.

Most maps are also available as a framed canvas. The map is printed on matte (not shiny) canvas, stretched over a box frame, and then 'floated' within a simple wood frame. The end result is quite beautiful, and there's no glazing in front of your map.

All frames are provided "ready to hang", with either a string or brackets on the back. Very large frames will have heavy duty hanging plates and/or a mounting baton. If you have any questions, please get in touch.

See some examples of my framed maps and framed canvas maps.

Alternatively, I can also supply old maps on canvas, foam board, cotton rag and other materials.

If you want to frame your map yourself, please read my map size guide first.