Uncolored etching/aquatint of a satirical illustration of 'The English Balloon 1784,' followed by 7 stanzas of comic verse. It is a comment on the attempt of Allen Keegan to ascend from Lord Foley's Garden, Portland Place, London, September 29, 1784 in a balloon constructed by John Sheldon. When the balloon failed to lift, it was attacked and burned by the disappointed crowd. The illustration shows the balloon aloft above a crowd of people dancing on rooftops. The balloon is drawn as the head of a cartoonish man with large, donkey-like ears and a long, elf-like hat. 'The English Balloon 1784' is written on the brim of the hat. A figure is in the basket of the balloon, attempting to steer it with very large oars. Other prints in a similar style related to this event are credited to Paul Sandby. Created by Vanessa Nagengast Date Created Source National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution. Keywords Art Rights and Restrictions Not determined
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