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
Date
c. 1784
Type
ART-Prints, Original
Medium
Print, Etching on Paper, Uncolored
Physical Description
Uncolored etching of a failed balloon launch on July 11, 1784. Abbé Miolan and Janinet, French experimenters, attempted to fly a hot air balloon with a large hole in one side, reasoning the hot air blowing out of the hole would propel the balloon in the opposite direction. When the pair were unable to inflate their balloon, a mob of disappointed spectators swarmed into the launch area and set fire to the balloon. The print shows the half-inflated balloon in a field surrounded by a large crowd. Smoke is billowing from the balloon. The scene is framed with an ornate border. Two figures with human bodies and cat-like heads stand on either side of the image with their pants down, exposing their backsides. Vines are above the scene. Description of the scene in French is incorporated into the border below the scene.
Dimensions
Mat: 27.9 × 35.6cm (11 × 14 in.)
Unmatted: 19.8 × 25.4cm (7 13/16 in. × 10 in.)
Inventory Number
A20140582000
Credit Line
Gift of the Norfolk Charitable Trust
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
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