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The balloon mania which swept across Europe
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The balloon mania which swept across Europe
A pair of late 18th century French lithographs which reflect the balloon mania which swept across Europe at the time of the first balloon ascents, with the fashionable lady and gentleman incorporating inflated balloon designs in their costumes (hats, dress, arm cuffs etc.) (2/2). Date: late 18th century
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Media ID 13094480
© The Royal Aeronautical Society (National Aerospace Library)/Mary Evans Picture Library
Ascents Attire Balloon Ballooning Balloons Gent Gentleman Incorporating Inflated Mania Fashionable
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In the late 18th century, Europe was gripped by a phenomenon that captivated the imagination of the masses: balloon mania. The first successful hot air balloon flights, which took place in France during this time, sparked a wave of excitement and fascination that reached far beyond the realm of science and engineering. This pair of lithographs from the late 18th century, available from Mary Evans Prints Online, beautifully illustrate the extent of this mania, as fashionable ladies and gentlemen incorporated inflated balloon designs into their attire. The first lithograph depicts a fashionable lady, elegantly dressed in a gown adorned with intricate balloon motifs. Her hat, a masterpiece in its own right, is topped with a large, inflated balloon, complete with a ribbon and a small figure of an aeronaut holding onto the basket. The lady's arm cuffs and fan are also adorned with balloon designs, adding to the overall effect. The second lithograph features a gentleman, dressed in a coat and breeches, with a top hat adorned with a large, inflated balloon. His cravat is also decorated with balloon motifs, and he carries a cane with a balloon design on the handle. The background of the lithograph shows a hot air balloon ascending into the sky, adding to the overall theme of the mania. These lithographs provide a fascinating glimpse into the cultural impact of the first balloon ascents, as the fascination with flight transcended the realm of science and engineering to become a popular trend in fashion and design. The balloon mania of the late 18th century was a testament to the human desire to explore new frontiers and push the boundaries of what was possible, both in the realm of transportation and in the world of fashion.
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