Charles Knotek: First Balloon Used As War Aircraft

Artist: Charles Knotek
1933 -
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1983
Image Size: 16.25 by 12.75 inches
Overall Size: 20 by 15 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Cold Press Illustration Board

The development of manned flight in both hot-air and lighter-than-air hydrogen balloons coincided with one of the bloodiest eras in European history -- the French Revolution and the Napoleonic Wars. During these warring years, two French army officers proposed that balloons be used as observation posts for spying on enemy lines and troop movements. In this proposal to army officials, they cited that balloons would provide a wide and unhampered view, and could be raised well beyond bullet and artillery range. In response, the French Army constructed a medium sized hydrogen balloon and named it the Entreprenant. This first war balloon was initially used on June 26, 1794 within the city of Maubeuge, besieged by both the Austrian and Dutch armies. Used as a "watchman in the sky," the Entreprenant provided vital information that secured relief for the battered city. This balloon proved to be a very successful secret weapon. It was viewed as something new and terrifying by the enemy troops ... an aerial spy which could rise high above them and give away their military secrets. In addition, the effect of the balloon on the French troops was equally remarkable. It was reported that no matter how grim the battle looked, as long as the French soldiers could see their balloon flying over the battleground, they continued to fight until victory was won.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® Commemorative Cover for the Man's Conquest of the Heavens series issued in 1983.

Artwork Copyright © 1983 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB08034

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