WITH?moon mania taking hold of the nation with the blasting into orbit of astronaut Tim Peake, now is an opportune time to make a visit to Petworth House.
The earliest drawings of the moon’s surface are now on display there for the first time, alongside newly-presented treasures at the National Trust property.
The 17th century drawings by Thomas Harriot, the earliest in existence, form part of a new exhibition of European masterpieces.
The illustrations were deemed so accurate they were studied by Russian scientists who visited Petworth House in the 1960s before launching their first moon rocket into space.
Until March 6, they can be seen in Remastered: From Bosch to Bellotto, which brings together 50 of Petworth’s key early European masterpieces in a way they have never been seen before.
Visitors will have a rare opportunity to see the major artworks up close and perfectly lit for the first time, in Petworth’s gallery setting.
Notable inclusions are Andrea del Sarto’s Madonna and Child with Saint John (pictured, being prepared by art conservators), and Paris Bordone’s seductive Portrait of a young woman.
Another highlight is the famous 16th century full-length portrait of Henry VIII from the studio of Hans Holbein.