David K. Stone: Joseph de Montgolfier

Artist: David K. Stone
1922 - 2001
Nationality: American
Artwork Year: 1983
Image Size: 21 by 19.25 inches
Overall Size: 27 by 24.25 inches
Medium: Oil on Masonite

Joseph de Montgolfier and his brother Etienne trained in chemistry, physics and architecture before becoming the principal directors of their family's paper business in France. Because of their educational background -- and quick minds -- they were able to make a number of improvements in the manufacturing techniques their plant used. One of these innovations -- a means of inflating a silk container with hot air by suspending it over a fire -- proved to be the basis for the first manned hot-air balloon flight. In June 1783, the brothers launched a thirty-foot-diameter linen and paper spherical balloon open at the bottom to receive heat from a fire on the ground. Later, on September 19, 1783, on the palace grounds of Versailles, the Montgolfier brothers launched the first balloon carrying living passengers -- a duck, a sheep and a rooster. The flight lasted only eight minutes and covered only two miles, but soon the brothers launched a larger balloon carrying its own hot-air source as well as a circular gallery for passengers. On November 21, 1783, this balloon made its first manned flight over Paris.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® Joseph de Montgolfier Commemorative Cover postmarked August 20, 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): XB08446

US$ Price: $1,750.00

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