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.