Title
Annonay experiment on 4th June 1783
Caption
The Montgolfier brothers' first public aerostatic experiment in Annonay on 4th June 1783
Painting on vellum (7.2 x 9.2 cm)
Muller-Quênot Collection
Info+
Since December 1782, Joseph-Michel et Etienne Montgolfier carried out aeronautical experiments sometimes in the afternoons and during the night within the boundaries of the family paper mill. With the pressure from their associates and the insistent rumour about the 'curious' engine, Etienne et Joseph-Michel cancelled its initial launch date on 4th June 1783, to hold a public experiment in front of the Membres des Etats Particuliers of Vivarais who were congregating in Annonay. The experiment was set to take place in the main square in front of the Cordeliers convent.
The balloon took off and flew for nine and a half minutes, it then landed more than 2 kilometers into the commune de Davézieux. Unfortunately the balloon caught alight during the landing. The locals prayed out of fear, however the balloon was left to burn.
Date
18th century
Credit line
Photo12/Association Muller Quenot Rosheim
Reference
MQR10A00_080
License type
Rights managed
Available size
27,4Mb (1,6Mb) / 11,8in x 9,0in / 3543 x 2703 (300dpi)