Title
Charles and Robert's balloon experiment in the Jardin des "Thuilleries" on 1st December 1783
Caption
Charles and Robert's balloon experiment in the Jardin des "Thuilleries" on 1st December 1783. It was preceeded by a pilot balloon sent to test the direction of the wind.
Framed etching (44 x 31.5 cm)
Muller-Quênot Collection
Info+
At half-past one, a shot was fired to announce the beginning of the experiment. However nothing happened. The balloon did not take off into the sky and disappointment gradually began to spread through the crowd. Charles approached Etienne Montgolfier, who was present at the experiment. Charles wanted to make up for Etienne's previous public humiliation at the Champs de Mars, where he had been refused access on 27th August. He held a thin cord which held back a pilot balloon, one metre and sixty centimetres in diameter. He held the cord out to Etienne and asked him to let go of the little balloon himself saying, "It's up to you to find us a new way up into the sky." The balloon rose up into the air, indicating the direction of the wind.
Date
18th century
Credit line
Photo12/Association Muller Quenot Rosheim
Reference
MQR10A00_178
License type
Rights managed
Available size
32,3Mb (2,3Mb) / 10,0in x 12,6in / 2986 x 3780 (300dpi)