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BARTOLOZZI, Francesco after Richard COSWAY
Vincent Lunardi, Esq
London: Published by John Bell, the British Library, Oct. 5, 1784. Stipple engraving. Printed in sepia ink. A nice impression in good condition with the exception of light soiling in the corners, and scattered traces of foxing. Trimmed within the platemark on the lower margin. Image size: 4 3/4 x 4 inches. Sheet size: 11 x 7 ¾ inches.
A lovely delicate print by Bartolozzi of Vincent Lunardi the famous balloonist.
Vincent Lunardi was the first person to successfully attempt aerial travel in the English atmosphere. After many setbacks and a heated riot, Lunardi finally launched his balloon in London and set back down in Ware, marking the first aeriel ascent in England. Lunardi's flight made England stir with excitement and a vast array of citizens, from farmer to gentleman, journeyed to London to see his ascent. Lunardi made two other flights in his balloon to Edinburgh and Glasgow and published an account of his aeriel adventures. Lunardi is considered one of the pioneers of ballooning, his ascent having been made less than a year after the first flight in a 'Montgolfière' by Pilâtre de Rozier, and only a few days after the ascent by John Tytler. In a testimony to his fame, a bonnet, once the height of fashion in the North, was named after the aeronaut. (DNB)
Vesme & Calabi, Francesco Bartolozzi 865, iii/iv; O'Donoghue, Catalogue of Engraved British Portraits... in the British Museum 1
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#4822 $450.00 
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© 2002-2005 Donald A. Heald
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