The Descent of the Air Balloon
Lodge, John, 1756 or 1757-1830; The European magazine, and London review: containing the literature, history, politics, arts, manners and amusements of the age (London, Printed for J. Fielding [etc., 1782]-1826)

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Date
1783Description
Engraving made for "European Magazine" showing a group of frightened men and women, a dog and a monkey in a tree witnessing the descent of the Montgolfier balloon which carried the first live aeronauts- a rooster, a sheep and a duck. A young child looks out from a top window, and a religious figure approaches the scene carrying a bible and brandishing a crucifix. Caption beneath image: Monsier de Montgolfiers Air Balloon, after having Ascended an Amazeing heighth above the Clouds & being Carryd [sic] in the Air 45 Leagues, fell down near a Cottage, where the poor Country People were exceedinly frighten'd & Astonished, the Cock, Sheep, & the Duck came out of the Basket which had been / tyed to it, unhurt. For more information about this item, visit https://archivesspace.mit.edu/repositories/2/digital_objects/379
Subject
Animals, Crowds, Ballooning, Balloons (aircraft)