Creation du Monde, Suivant Moyse

The six days of creation.

This spectacular representation of the six days of creation was designed by Claude Buy de Mornas for inclusion in the Atlas Methodique et Elementaire de Geographie et d’Histoire, published by Louis Charles Desnos around 1761.

The central image is comprised of six panels, each representing an individual day and the elements manifested therein – #1 (Light & Earth), #2 (Sky & Seas), #3 (Land & Plants), #4 (Stars & Planets), #5 (Fish & Birds), and #6 (Animals & Man). Of interest is the inclusion of ‘Man’s Best Friend’ in the final frame. Accompanying blocks of text on either side provide Biblical context to each of the six days, as well as accompanying philosophical and historical observations.

The exotic scene is surrounded by a decorative border that juxtaposes elements of classical scholarship. This elaborate ‘frame’ was engraved and printed from a separate copper plate – a costly and time-consuming method of production. Furthermore, it varies slightly from a more common version by including a dedicatory cartouche (somewhat faded) in the lower center.