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Cartoon, En Balloon
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Cartoon, En Balloon
Cartoon, En Balloon - a satire on the ballooning craze.
circa 1846
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En Balloon - A Satirical Take on the 1840s Ballooning Craze
EDITORS COMMENTS
This cartoon, titled "En Balloon" by an unknown artist, offers a humorous commentary on the ballooning craze that swept through Europe and America in the mid-1800s. Dating back to around 1846, this satirical illustration pokes fun at the audacious and often dangerous pursuit of flight, which had captured the imagination of many during this era. The central figure in the cartoon is a man, dressed in the height of fashion, clinging precariously to the edge of a balloon. His wide-eyed expression and disheveled hair convey a sense of terror and desperation, as he dangles above a chaotic scene below. The balloon itself is a riot of colors and shapes, with birds and other objects hitching a ride, adding to the whimsical and absurd nature of the scene. The title "En Balloon" is a playful nod to the French phrase "en plein air," meaning "in the open air," which was often used to describe balloon rides. The artist's use of exaggerated proportions and exaggerated expressions adds to the comedic effect, highlighting the absurdity of the ballooning craze and the risks people were willing to take in their pursuit of flight. The background of the cartoon shows a cityscape filled with other balloons, some ascending gracefully, while others are in various stages of descent, with their passengers looking equally terrified or elated. The chaotic scene in the sky contrasts sharply with the tranquility of the birds in flight, adding to the overall satirical tone of the illustration. "En Balloon" is a delightful reminder of the human fascination with flight and the lengths to which people will go to experience the thrill of soaring through the air. This charming and humorous cartoon continues to capture the imagination of viewers, offering a unique perspective on a fascinating period in history.
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