Who painted The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails?

The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails was painted by Filippo Morghen in 1769.

Where can I see The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails?

The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails is held by Cleveland Museum of Art.

What movement is The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails?

The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails is associated with Romanticism.

Artwork

The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails

Filippo Morghen , 1769

The Carriages used on the Moon and which move by sails is a print by the Romanticist artist Filippo Morghen. It dates from 1769 and is held in the collection of the Cleveland Museum of Art.

About this work

This etching is part of a series imagining life on the moon—complete with pumpkin houses and scissor-wielding hunters.

You see a strange carriage with sails rolling across the moon’s surface, pulled by giant birds.

This etching is part of a series imagining life on the moon—complete with pumpkin houses and scissor-wielding hunters. People in the 1700s loved wild stories about space, and Morghen turned them into playful, detailed pictures. The moon here feels almost like Earth, just weirder.

If you like this kind of quirky imagination, look up more works by Filippo Morghen (Italian, 1730–after 1807).

Overview

This etching is one of a series of ten prints by Filippo Morghen depicting a fantastical journey to the moon. The series showcases the artist's imaginative vision of lunar life and culture.

Subject & Meaning

The print features a carriage propelled by sails and pulled by giant birds, illustrating the fantastical modes of transportation used by the moon's inhabitants. The depiction is influenced by European interpretations of non-Western cultures, reflecting the era's fascination with exoticism.

Technique & Style

The work is an etching, a technique that allowed Morghen to achieve detailed and intricate designs. The style is characterized by playful and imaginative representations of lunar life, blending elements of chinoiserie and turquerie.

Context

The series was created during a time when European audiences were captivated by stories of imaginary voyages to the moon, reflecting the era's interest in speculative fiction and the unknown.