2 Images
Display Status

This object is not on display at the National Air and Space Museum. It is either on loan or in storage.

Object Details

Type

ART-Prints, Original

Medium

Print, Etching/Aquatint on Paper, Uncolored

Artist

Paul Sandby

Physical Description

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.

Dimensions

Mat: 35.6 × 27.9cm (14 × 11 in.)
Unmatted: 23.8 × 16.8cm (9 3/8 × 6 5/8 in.)

Inventory Number

A20140527000

Credit Line

Gift of the Norfolk Charitable Trust

Data Source

National Air and Space Museum

Restrictions & Rights

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