Description
Here is an extremely rare painting of the Montgolfier brothers hot air balloon launch in 1783. The medallion at the top left translates loosely as "The bold balloonists rise in a Montgolfiere above the Chateau Chenonceaux". The painting is signed in the lower right. & was very likely sketched and/or painted during the live event in late 1783 or early 1784. Although undated, the "x" at the end of Chenonceaux may indicate pre French Revolution as Napoleon directed any reference to the prior king be removed from the French language when he came into power. There is so much too love about this painting; the landscape, the architecture & most importantly the history. The Chateau de Chenonceau is beautifully illustrated here & is located in the Loire Valley in France near Paris where the Montgolfier brothers launched their first balloons. The painting itself is in very good condition, however, the varnish has yellowed with age & will need proper conservation. The canvas is stretched over a wood board that is attached to the back of the frame as opposed to a rabbet & is the same dimension as the outside frame. The frame appears to be late 18th or early 19th century & may be original to the painting. Our family has enjoyed this painting immensely & we know it will be loved in it's new home. These images depicting the Montgolfiers first balloons very rarely come on the market as they are treasured by art collectors, museums & aviation enthusiasts around the world. John-Claude Le Fevre "Des Aerostiers" 1783 Painting On Canvas, First Hot Air Balloon Launch 40" X 31" Obo
