Skip to main content
Want more images or videos?
Request additional images or videos from the seller
1 of 10

Aeronaut's End in 1819: Mme. Blanchard's Balloon Tragedy in Paris

$143.73
£106.51
€120
CA$196.22
A$218.28
CHF 114.43
MX$2,667.37
NOK 1,457.08
SEK 1,371.64
DKK 913.67
Shipping
Retrieving quote...
The 1stDibs Promise:
Authenticity Guarantee,
Money-Back Guarantee,
24-Hour Cancellation

About the Item

Title: "Tragic Ascents: The Dramatic Death of Mme. Blanchard in 1819" Description: This compelling print captures a tragic moment in aviation history—the fiery death of Mme. Sophie Blanchard, a renowned French aeronaut, on July 6, 1819. The artwork vividly depicts her hot air balloon engulfed in flames above the rooftops of Paris, as she desperately clings to the basket, moments before her fatal fall. Mme. Blanchard, the first woman to become a professional balloonist, was known for her daring ascents and nighttime flights, often incorporating fireworks into her displays. This particular flight, however, ended in disaster when her balloon caught fire, likely due to the fireworks she was using, leading to her crash onto a rooftop. The print, published by F. Roy in 1819, is a historical snapshot of early aviation’s risks and the public’s fascination with ballooning during the early 19th century. What makes this piece particularly interesting is its blend of historical documentation and dramatic artistry, showcasing both the technological ambition of the era and the perilous nature of early flight. The detailed linework and somber color palette evoke a sense of urgency and tragedy, drawing viewers into the ill-fated moment. The print was created using a combination of etching and hand-coloring, a common technique in the early 19th century for producing detailed and visually striking illustrations. This method allowed for fine details in the balloon’s structure and the chaotic scene below, while the hand-applied colors added emotional depth with fiery oranges and smoky grays. A must-have for collectors of aviation history or early 19th-century art, this print offers a poignant glimpse into the life and tragic end of a pioneering woman. Condition Report: The print shows moderate aging with slight yellowing along the edges. Minor foxing spots are present on the lower margin. No tears or creases noted, but faint discoloration is visible on the left side. Overall, structurally sound, rated good for its age. Framing Tips: Use a double mat with a neutral cream inner mat and a muted gray outer mat to complement the print’s tones. A simple, dark wood frame will enhance its historical feel. Ensure UV-protective glass to prevent fading, and keep it away from direct sunlight.
  • Dimensions:
    Height: 10.83 in (27.5 cm)Width: 7.09 in (18 cm)Depth: 0.01 in (0.2 mm)
  • Materials and Techniques:
  • Period:
  • Date of Manufacture:
    1819
  • Condition:
    The print shows moderate aging with slight yellowing along the edges. Minor foxing spots are present on the lower margin. No tears or creases, but faint discoloration is visible on the left side. Overall, structurally sound, rated good for its age.
  • Seller Location:
    Langweer, NL
  • Reference Number:
    Seller: BG-023881stDibs: LU3054345077332

More From This Seller

View All
Optical Print of Aeolus, God of Winds – Allegory of Air, circa 1760
Located in Langweer, NL
Allegory of the Air – 18th Century Optical Print after Burnacini This vibrant and theatrical 18th-century optical print presents an allegorical representation of 'Air', rendered wit...
Category

Antique 1760s Prints

Materials

Paper

Paris en Ballon – Aerial View of Paris from a Balloon, Lithograph by Albert 1850
Located in Langweer, NL
Paris en Ballon – Aerial View of Paris from a Balloon, Lithograph by Albert, circa 1850 This striking 19th-century lithograph titled Paris en Ballon (Paris from a Balloon) offers a ...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Romantic Era Lithograph – Jocelyn Sauvant Laurence de la Mort, c.1840
Located in Langweer, NL
Romantic antique lithograph of Jocelyn Sauvant, from Lamartine’s literary work, circa 1840. A poetic and emotional 19th-century French composition. Jocelyn Sauvant Laurence de la Mo...
Category

Antique Mid-19th Century French Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of the Battle of Chattam by Fokke, 'c.1790'
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 'Aftekening der Schilderye op 't Stadhuis te Dordrecht (..)'. Scene of the battle of Chattam during one of the many Anglo-Dutch wars. In this battle, the Dutch sailed up the river Thames and destroyed part of the English fleet at anchor in the harbor of Chattam. Pictured in the foreground is the Dutch commander, Cornelius de Wit, being presented with the spoils of war...
Category

Antique Late 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

Antique Print of the Maria Monastery by Wagenaar, c.1760
Located in Langweer, NL
Antique print titled 't Maria Klooster, aan de west zyde van de Nesse'. This print depicts the Maria monastery in Amsterdam, The Netherlands. This print originates from 'Amsterdam, I...
Category

Antique 18th Century Prints

Materials

Paper

The Economic Balancing Act: A Satirical View of 1780 Britain
Located in Langweer, NL
Title: "The Economic Balancing Act: A Satirical View of 1780 Britain" This original etching and engraving, circa 1780, is a satirical commentary on the precarious state of the Briti...
Category

Antique 1780s Prints

Materials

Paper

You May Also Like

"Globe Aerostatique" a Hand-Colored Engraving, after Claude Louis Desrais
Located in valatie, NY
"Globe Aerostatique" a gilt framed hand-colored Engraving, French circa 1787, after Claude Louis Desrais, (1746-1816.) A pastoral scene featuring a tricolored balloon at the center. ...
Category

Antique 1780s French Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

Circa 1900 poster for Montgolfière Française - hot air ballooning
Located in PARIS, FR
The circa 1900 poster for Montgolfière Française, produced by the Parisian printing house Clamaron-Graff at 57 Rue de Vaugirard, is a striking example of early aviation art that captures the wonder and excitement surrounding hot air ballooning in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This poster, promoting a French hot air balloon...
Category

Early 1900s Prints and Multiples

Materials

Lithograph, Paper, Linen

Italian Contemporary Handmade Hot-Air Balloon Colored Print with Frame 3 of 3
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Important and elegant hand colored press print representing the "discobulus of Myron". The frame is in black painted and patinated wood, mat is in dark red. The statue of Myron’s discus...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

Italian Contemporary Handmade Hot-Air Balloon Colored Print with Frame 1 of 3
Located in Scandicci, Florence
Funny and elegant press print made in Italy, representing a hot-air balloon, hand-colored by skilled Florentine artisans, hand-coated white frame. ...
Category

21st Century and Contemporary Italian Prints

Materials

Wood, Paper

Circa 1900, The Departure Of The Hot Air Balloons
Located in PARIS, FR
Let's gain a higher perspective! Circa 1900 Oil on canvas 82 x 59 cm No signed
Category

Early 1900s Landscape Paintings

Materials

Canvas, Oil

Departure - The Eye Like a Strange Ballon
By David Avery
Located in Palm Springs, CA
Medium: Etching Year: 2022 Edition Size: 35 Image Size: 8.088 x 6.75 inches Paper Size: Zerkall Copperplate Cream (yellow) (15" x 12") An hommage to Odilon Redon's 1878 print Eye-Ba...
Category

2010s Landscape Prints

Materials

Etching