Witty commentaries on the aeronautical experiments that captivated Paris in the 1780s, with engraved verses below each scene. 18th-century vogue for ballooning satire, printed around the time of the first manned flights in France (1780s).
-
“Moyen infaillible d’enlever les Ballons”
A satirical scene in which an elaborate rope-and-pulley scheme—operated by monks and dreamers—is confidently presented as a ‘foolproof’ way to launch a hot-air balloon.
-
“Moyen infaillible de diriger les Ballons”
An equally absurd ‘solution’ to balloon steering shows horsemen galloping across the countryside while dragging the airborne pilot along behind them.
-
“A Messieurs les Souscripteurs”
A chaotic village comedy in which grateful thanks are addressed to balloon sponsors as the launch disastrously collapses into total bedlam.
Light toning, colors bright, housed in later simple frames.
Period: End of 18th century
Provenance: France
Materials: Hand-colored engravings on laid paper.
Artist: Published anonymously
Dimensions: 15.7H x 12.2W in | 40H x 31W cm each
