Usage Conditions May Apply 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 View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer Usage Conditions May Apply 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 View Manifest View in Mirador Viewer 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
For more information, visit the Smithsonians Terms of Use.