Object Details
Physical Description
Colored etching of a professor standing on a platform in front of an audience, gesturing towards a small gas balloon. Coloring done in shades of red, blue, and white. Handwritten note page in the mat identifies the scene as 'Professor Argand demonstrating before George III at Windsor in 1783. (Nov 26).'
Aimé Argand (1750-1803) was a friend of the Montgolfier brothers, gave chemical lectures, invented the argand lamp, and operated a distillery with his brother. He played a key role in connecting ballooning to serious research in natural philosophy. Argand arrived in London in October 1783 and was introduced to the King and Queen. On November 25, 1783 he inflated a small gas balloon at Windsor Castle, which the King released to the delight of his family.
'Pubd. as the Act directs Jan. 20th 1784, J. Basire, No. 16 St. John's Lane Clerkenwell.'
Credit Line
Gift of the Norfolk Charitable Trust
Date
January 20, 1784
Inventory Number
A20140514000
Restrictions & Rights
Usage conditions apply
Type
ART-Prints, Original
Medium
Print, Etching on Paper, Colored
Dimensions
Mat: 30.5 × 25.4cm (10 × 12 in.)
Engraving: 11.3 × 16.2cm (4 7/16 × 6 3/8 in.)
Note Page: 8.3 × 14.3cm (3 1/4 × 5 5/8 in.)
See more items in
National Air and Space Museum Collection
Data Source
National Air and Space Museum
Link to Original Record
Record ID
nasm_A20140514000