Title
The hydrogen balloon being removed from the Champs de Mars on 27th August 1783 following crash in Gonesse
Caption
French engraving
The hydrogen balloon being removed from the Champs de Mars on 27th August 1783 following crash in Gonesse
Coloured etching, with frame (44 x 52 cm)
Muller-Quênot Collection
Info+
Title reads: "To the financial backers"
On 27th August at five o'clock, a gunshot announced the beginning of the experiment. The balloon, free from its ties, rose rapidly into the sky to the amazement of the three hundred thousand spectators. Within two minutes it had already reached a height of 488 toises.
The balloon landed in Gonesse after a three-quarter of an hour flight, it had covered five leagues, equivalent to sixteen kilometres.
The local farmers flocked to the fields, terrified at having witnessed the large, shapeless craft falling from the sky. Believing it was a sign of the devil, they called upon a priest to exorcize the cursed creature.
The priest, unconvinced by his parishioners, didn't dare to approach the unknown being. It took the boldness of one man, armed with his gun who opened fire on the harmless balloon, riddling it with bullets. As the gunshots pierced through the aerostat, it began to deflate, advancing its decent. In order to atone for their previous display of fear, the locals rushed to the balloon, striking at it with their pitchforks and launching stones.
Date
18th century
Credit line
Photo12/Association Muller Quenot Rosheim
Reference
MQR10A00_165
License type
Rights managed
Available size
68,6Mb (5,7Mb) / 17,6in x 15,1in / 5292 x 4534 (300dpi)