Print, Etching/Aquatint on Paper, Uncolored, THE ENGLISH BALLOON 1784
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 CreatedSource
National Air and Space Museum, Smithsonian Institution.
Keywords
Art
Rights and Restrictions
Not determined
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.