Bowdoin College Museum of Art | - Louis XVI (1754–1793), Aerostatic Experiments of the Montgolfier Brothers

Preview image of work. bronze, Louis XVI (1754–1793), Aerostatic Experiments of the Montgolfier Brothers 6636

1966.131.24.a

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Louis XVI (1754–1793), Aerostatic Experiments of the Montgolfier Brothers

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Artist

Nicolas Marie Gatteaux (1751 - 1832)

Title

Louis XVI (1754–1793), Aerostatic Experiments of the Montgolfier Brothers

Creation Date

1783

Century

late 18th century

Dimensions

1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm.)

Classification

Medals/Plaquettes

Creation Place

Europe, France

Medium and Support

bronze

Credit Line

Gift of Amanda Marchesa Molinari

Copyright

Public Domain

Accession Number

1966.131.24.a

The Montgolfier Brothers’ first public demonstration of the hot air balloon occurred on June 4, 1783. News spread quickly around the world of their success, and Louis XVI had this medal struck to commemorate the experiment shortly after. The inscription on the reverse, ATTONITUS ORBIS TERRARUM [The World Astonished], captures the public reception of the news. Later that year, on September 19, 1783, another elaborate public demonstration of the hot air balloon by the Montgolfier Brothers occurred at Versailles witnessed by 130,000 spectators and King Louis XVI himself, ushering in the age of flight.

Louis XVI (1754–1793), Aerostatic Experiments of the Montgolfier Brothers

Artist

Title

Creation Date

Century

Dimensions

Classification

Creation Place

Medium and Support

Credit Line

Copyright

Accession Number

Object Description