Fig. A. The Flying Ship. p. 297.
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Print, Etching on Paper, Uncolored, FIG. A. THE FLYING SHIP. P. 297.
Uncolored etching of "The Flying Ship" proposed by the Jesuit Bartolomeu de Gusmão (1685-1724). On August 8, 1709, Gusmão is said to have flown a small balloon before the court in the Casa da Índia in Lisbon. The image in question may be a representation of a heavier-than-air machine proposed by Gusmão, or more likely, a representation of a proposed large balloon drawn by someone unfamiliar with the actual appearance of Gusmão's design. The craft is shown aloft with clouds and sun in the background. It features a bird-like shape and decorations. The operator sits in the open body of the bird with a telescope and globes. Oars are provided for propulsion. Parts are marked with letters A-I, but no key is present.
Usage Conditions Apply
There are restrictions for re-using this media. For more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use page.
IIIF provides researchers rich metadata and image viewing options for comparison of works across cultural heritage collections. More - https://iiif.si.edu
Print, Etching on Paper, Uncolored, FIG. A. THE FLYING SHIP. P. 297.
Uncolored etching of "The Flying Ship" proposed by the Jesuit Bartolomeu de Gusmão (1685-1724). On August 8, 1709, Gusmão is said to have flown a small balloon before the court in the Casa da Índia in Lisbon. The image in question may be a representation of a heavier-than-air machine proposed by Gusmão, or more likely, a representation of a proposed large balloon drawn by someone unfamiliar with the actual appearance of Gusmão's design. The craft is shown aloft with clouds and sun in the background. It features a bird-like shape and decorations. The operator sits in the open body of the bird with a telescope and globes. Oars are provided for propulsion. Parts are marked with letters A-I, but no key is present.
Fanciful Flying Ship
This is a fanciful flying ship proposed by the Brazilian Jesuit Bartolomeu de Gusmão (1685–1724). Gusmão is said to have flown a small balloon before the Portuguese court in Lisbon’s Casa da India on August 8, 1709. Etching from a publication, English, 18th century
Display Status:
This object is on display in the Hangar Overlook at the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA.

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National Air and Space Museum Collection
Location
Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center in Chantilly, VA
Display Area
Hangar Overlook
Inventory Number
A20140548000
Physical Description
Uncolored etching of "The Flying Ship" proposed by the Jesuit Bartolomeu de Gusmão (1685-1724). On August 8, 1709, Gusmão is said to have flown a small balloon before the court in the Casa da Índia in Lisbon. The image in question may be a representation of a heavier-than-air machine proposed by Gusmão, or more likely, a representation of a proposed large balloon drawn by someone unfamiliar with the actual appearance of Gusmão's design. The craft is shown aloft with clouds and sun in the background. It features a bird-like shape and decorations. The operator sits in the open body of the bird with a telescope and globes. Oars are provided for propulsion. Parts are marked with letters A-I, but no key is present.
Credit Line
Gift of the Norfolk Charitable Trust
Medium
Print, Etching on Paper, Uncolored
Dimensions
2-D - Unframed (H x W): 10.8 × 12.7cm (4 1/4 in. × 5 in.)
2-D - In Frame (H x W x D): 25.4cm × 31.7cm × 3.8cm (10 × 12 1/2 × 1 1/2 in.)
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions applyFor more information, visit the Smithsonian's Terms of Use.
Type
ART-Prints, Original