Charles Knotek: First Manned Balloon Flight in America

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

Heads lifted in amazement as the colorful hydrogen filled balloon slowly rose into the sky. Waving the proud colors of the United States as well as those of the new French Republic, the famous French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard peered down from the basket suspended beneath his balloon at the crowds which grew smaller and smaller as he gained altitude. Earlier, Blanchard had made a daring crossing of the English Channel in a balloon, narrowly escaping death in the icy waters. Like the earlier flight, this occasion on Jaunary 9, 1793, was indeed an important one, too, for it was the first time a hydrogen balloon had been flown in America, and even President Gerorge Washington attended the historic gathering. As he drifted away, Blanchard thumbed throught the "passport" which President Washington had given him. The passport had been written to save Blanchard from harm, should the farmers in the area where he landed be hostile. And it was a good thing Blanchard did have his passport, because his balloon -- which brought him fifteen miles from the capital city of Philadelphia and over the river into New Jersey -- landed in the field of a superstitious farmer. The passport saved him, though, for the farmer was truly fascinated by a man who personally knew the President, and Blanchard promptly returned to Philadelphia to pay his respects to America's Chief Executive.

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): XB08035

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