Transport yourself to the wonder and romance of early flight with this pair of hand-colored antique engravings, each depicting the world’s first hot air balloon ascents in 18th-century France. Sourced from a private Santa Fe estate, these framed works celebrate the golden age of discovery and human ingenuity through a lens of art, science, and beauty.
Each print features a finely detailed balloon launch scene, capturing the drama and excitement that swept across Europe after the Montgolfier brothers’ revolutionary ascent in 1783. The engravings are beautifully hand-colored in tones of sky blue, ochre, and rose, highlighting the ornate patterns and grand spectacle of these early flights.
Mounted in rich burlwood frames with gilt accents, the pairing feels both refined and whimsical—a sophisticated nod to adventure, innovation, and the eternal allure of the skies.
Provenance
Sourced in Santa Fe, New Mexico, from a collector of fine European prints and travel-inspired art. Likely mid-20th-century reproductions after 18th-century engravings, carefully hand-colored and presented in custom burl veneer frames. Several lithographs of the balloons from a book that was made about early air balloon flight are included in Andrei Tarkovsky's classic movie 'Solaris', including these.
Condition
Excellent vintage condition. Minor age toning consistent with vintage paper. Frames and glass are in beautiful shape with light wear appropriate to age. Each back is marked with a sticker. One which says 'Ascension de Madame Blanchard au Champs-de-Mars 1810' and the second, 'Premier Voyage Aérien 1783'. Both were framed at The Right Angle in Amarillo, Texas, according to separate stickers on the backs. These pieces have not been examined outside of the frames. It is likely that these are German reprints created in the mid-20th century. However, there is no way to know unless we dismantle the frames. Both frames have a hanging wire attached for easy installation.
Styling Ideas
These pieces are perfect for creating a library or study wall with character—hang them above a vintage writing desk, alongside maps or celestial charts, or in a reading nook for a sense of curiosity and wanderlust.
For a modern twist, style them symmetrically over a console table or in a powder room for an unexpected touch of historic glamour. Their warm burlwood frames complement antique brass, velvet, and deep navy interiors, as well as minimalist spaces needing a hint of storied color.
Dimensions (Each)
Height: 12.25" Tall
Width: 9" Wide
Depth: .75" Deep
2.2 lbs total
