Print, Engraving on Paper, Colored, PREMIER VOYAGE AËRIEN

Colored engraving on paper titled Premier Voyage Aërien, 1783. An ornate blue and yellow Montgolfier balloon is seen flying over the active Paris cityscape. Monogram of a balloon in clouds below main image in between text. The balloon depicted is a Montgolfier Balloon piloted by Pilatre de Rozier & the Marquis d'Arlandes. It is originally made its ascent from the grounds of the Chateau La Muette for the first manned flight, Nov. 21, 1783. The king of France had originally wanted a convicted felon to go up in the first manned balloon flight, but Rozier talked Francois Laurent, the Marquis d'Arlandes into persuading one of Marie Antoinette's ladies into persuading the king to allow a law abiding Frenchman like himself to go up instead. The Marquis helped Rozier, and in return asked to make the journey with him.