Home > Animals > Farm > Horses > Related Images
Balloon descent at Gonesse, France
Wall Art and Photo Gifts from Mary Evans Picture Library
Balloon descent at Gonesse, France
The first trial hydrogen balloon which ascended from the Champ de Mars, and descended in the village of Gonesse, north east of Paris. Writhing with the slow expulsion of its malodorous impure hydrogen, it terrified the inhabitants, who attacked it with guns and pitchforks, and tied it to the tail of a horse which they drove off over the field.
27 August 1783
Mary Evans Picture Library makes available wonderful images created for people to enjoy over the centuries
Media ID 7475229
© Mary Evans Picture Library 2015 - https://copyrighthub.org/s0/hub1/creation/maryevans/MaryEvansPictureID/10610341
1780s 1783 Afraid Ascended Attacked Ballooning Champ Descended Descent Drove Expulsion Fear Frightened Guns Hydrogen Impure Inhabitants Landing Mars Pitch Forks Slow Suspicion Suspicious Tail Technology Terrified Tied Trial Villagers Gonesse Writhing
FEATURES IN THESE COLLECTIONS
> Animals
> Farm
> Horses
> Related Images
> Animals
> Mammals
> Horse
> Related Images
> Europe
> France
> Paris
> Related Images
> Mary Evans Prints Online
> Royal Aeronautical Society
EDITORS COMMENTS
This image depicts the historic moment of the first successful hydrogen balloon descent in Gonesse, France on August 27, 1783. The trial flight, which originated from the Champ de Mars in Paris, marked a significant milestone in the early history of aviation and scientific discovery. The small, writhing balloon, filled with impure hydrogen gas, was a sight both fascinating and terrifying to the local villagers. As the balloon slowly descended, its malodorous hydrogen expulsion caused great suspicion and fear among the inhabitants. The villagers, armed with guns and pitchforks, attacked the balloon, believing it to be a menacing object. In an attempt to control the perceived threat, they even tied the balloon to the tail of a horse and drove it off the field. The scene captures the early days of aviation, when the unknown and the fear of the new technology led to both awe and panic. The successful landing of the hydrogen balloon in Gonesse paved the way for further advancements in ballooning and air transportation, forever changing the way we explore and traverse the skies. This image, taken from the archives of The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library), is a testament to the courage and curiosity of those early pioneers who dared to defy gravity and push the boundaries of human knowledge.
MADE IN AUSTRALIA
Safe Shipping with 30 Day Money Back Guarantee
FREE PERSONALISATION*
We are proud to offer a range of customisation features including Personalised Captions, Color Filters and Picture Zoom Tools
SECURE PAYMENTS
We happily accept a wide range of payment options so you can pay for the things you need in the way that is most convenient for you
* Options may vary by product and licensing agreement. Zoomed Pictures can be adjusted in the Cart.
