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Balloonists cartoon, 1785 C016 / 4313
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Balloonists cartoon, 1785 C016 / 4313
Balloonists cartoon. 18th-century caricature of balloonists, titled Fowls of a feather flock together. Three balloons are shown overhead, including one in flames and crashing to the ground. Those represented may include the Scottish apothecary and balloonist James Tytler (1745-1804) and the Italian balloonist Vincenzo Lunardi (1759-1806). Tytler was the first person in Britain to ascend in a balloon, doing so on 25 August 1784. Lunardis ascent was on 15 September 1784, and his feats and multiple balloon ascents would eclipse those of Tytler. This artwork, which dates from 1785, is by the Scottish caricaturist and engraver John Kay (1742-1826)
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Media ID 9204645
© LIBRARY OF CONGRESS/SCIENCE PHOTO LIBRARY
1700s 18th Century Aeronaut Aeronautics Apothecary Aviation Aviator Aviators Balloon Ballooning Balloonist Burning Caricature Crashing Etching Flying Italian Satire Satirical Scotland Scottish 1784 1785 Aeronauts Balloonists Crash Landing John Kay Proverb Proverbial Vincent Lunardi Vincenzo Lunardi
EDITORS COMMENTS
This 18th-century caricature, titled "Fowls of a feather flock together" offers a satirical glimpse into the world of balloonists during that era. Created by Scottish artist John Kay in 1785, this artwork showcases three balloons soaring overhead, with one tragically engulfed in flames and crashing to the ground. Among those depicted are James Tytler, a pioneering Scottish apothecary and balloonist who made history as Britain's first person to ascend in a balloon on August 25,1784. Another figure portrayed is Vincenzo Lunardi, an Italian balloonist whose remarkable feats and multiple ascents would overshadow Tytler's achievements. The illustration captures both the excitement and danger associated with early ballooning endeavors. It serves as a testament to the courage and audacity of these aviators who dared to explore the skies at a time when flight was still considered an extraordinary feat. The phrase "birds of a feather flock together" takes on new meaning here as it humorously alludes to the shared experiences and challenges faced by these adventurous individuals. With its monochrome etching style, this historical artwork transports us back to an era where aviation was in its infancy but already capturing imaginations across Europe. Preserved by the Library of Congress/Science Photo Library, this print offers us a fascinating glimpse into the early days of ballooning and reminds us of humanity's enduring fascination with flight throughout history.
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