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Bird-Man Marquis de Bacqueville (Jean Francois Boyvin de?
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Bird-Man Marquis de Bacqueville (Jean Francois Boyvin de?
Bird-Man Marquis de Bacqueville (Jean Francois Boyvin de Bonnetot) Attempts to Fly Across the River Seine in Paris in 1742 Date: 1742
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Media ID 18396766
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1742 Air Spotters Aircraft Exterior Danger Enthusiasts External Interesting Powered Spotter Spotters Wierd
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This intriguing engraving captures the daring and bizarre attempt of Jean Francois Boyvin de Bonnetot, also known as the Bird-Man Marquis de Bacqueville, to fly across the River Seine in Paris in 1742. The image shows the Marquis, dressed in a strange contraption of feathers and wooden structure, standing on a makeshift platform at the water's edge. Surrounded by curious onlookers and air spotters, he appears ready to leap off and spread his wings, or rather, his artificial avian appendages. The Marquis, a wealthy aristocrat and inventor, was determined to prove that he could fly like a bird. He had spent years designing and building his flying machine, which was inspired by the natural flight of birds. The exterior of the aircraft is depicted in the engraving, revealing its complex and unusual construction. The Marquis's machine consisted of a large pair of wings made of goose and swan feathers, attached to a wooden frame. He also wore a pair of wings on his back, which were controlled by a complex system of pulleys and ropes. Despite the enthusiasm and support of the air spotters and onlookers, the Marquis's attempt ended in disaster. As he jumped off the platform, the wings failed to generate enough lift, and he plunged into the river. The incident was widely publicized and became a sensation in Paris, with many people coming to see the wreckage of the failed flying machine. The Marquis survived the incident, but his reputation as a visionary inventor was tarnished. This engraving is a fascinating glimpse into the world of 18th-century aviation and the human desire to fly. It also highlights the dangers and risks associated with early attempts to conquer the skies, and the role of urban spectators in documenting and sharing these remarkable events.
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