PUBLISHER: London, published by T. McLean, 26, Haymarket. Octr. 1, 1829.
MEDIUM: Engraving, hand-colored,
DATE: 1785.
EDITION SIZE: Image size 9 1/4 x 8 5/16" (23.5 x 21.2 cm).
DESCRIPTION: This English satirical print pokes fun at the aeronauts of the day, who gained great fame for flying, but risked death and poverty for doing so since it was a dangerous and expensive sport. The poem beneath the title reads, "Behold an hero calmly tall and fair! / His only food phlogisticated air! / Now on the wings of mighty winds he rides! / Now torn thro' hedges - dashed in ocean tides! / Now dropping roams about from town to town / Collecting pence to inflate his poor balloon, / Pity the wight and something to him give, / To purchase gas to keep his fame alive."<br><br> The man depicted is Vincenzo Lunardi. Ballooning got its start in France in 1783 and quickly set off a flying craze throughout much of Europe. Vincent Lunardi, who was born in Italy, traveled to Britain in 1784 to present his hydrogen balloon to the Prince of Wales and his people. It was a great success, but did not go entirely as planned. His friend, George Biggin, was supposed to accompany him on his ascent, but when the crowd turned impatient Lunardi was forced to leave him and ascend before his balloon was fully inflated. He traveled, instead, with a cat, dog and caged bird, and floated from the Artillery Ground in London to Standon Green End in Hertfordshire. The flight's success brought great fame to Lunardi and eliminated what skepticism Britain had previously held for the craze.
ADDITIONAL INFO:
CONDITION: Good condition save a crease in lower left margin and some minor spotting.
REFERENCE:
Login / Register
Basket
