Ballonvlucht door de heren Charles en Robert van Parijs naar Beaumont, gezien vanaf de Tuilleriën, 1 december 1783 1783 - 1794

This print, made by an anonymous artist, depicts the balloon flight by Charles and Robert from Paris to Beaumont on December 1, 1783. It was made using etching, a printmaking technique that relies on the corrosive action of acid to create lines in a metal plate. Consider the labor involved in this process: the careful preparation of the plate, the precise drawing, and the skilled application of acid. Each stage required expertise and time, reflecting the value placed on craftsmanship during the late 18th century. The very act of printing transformed the balloon flight into a commodity, an image circulated and consumed by a public eager for news and spectacle. The print’s significance lies not only in its depiction of a groundbreaking scientific achievement, but also in the way it embodies the social and economic forces of its time. It reminds us that even seemingly straightforward images are the product of complex processes, imbued with cultural meaning. Ultimately, this print challenges us to look beyond the surface, and recognize the intricate relationship between art, craft, and society.