A stunning large vintage reproduction offset lithograph (print) of antique gravure (engraving) of "The First Channel Crossing by Air 1785". Printed on high-quality textured paper. Embossed edge around the image. Name of the event is printed below the image. Published by Editions du Chene in 1956. Edition No 33. Printed by K.G. Lohse in Frankfurt, Germany in 1956. Nearly excellent condition - some edge wear, lower right corner is lightly bent, light tanning at edges, never framed. Several lithographs of the Balloons from this art folio are shown, framed, in Andrei Tarkovsky's iconic classic movie "Solaris". On January 7, 1785, French balloonist Jean-Pierre Blanchard and American doctor John Jeffries successfully crossed the English Channel in a hot air balloon, marking a significant milestone in the history of aviation. The duo, flying the “Double Eagle” balloon, lifted off from the French coast near Calais at 4:30 pm and began their journey across the Channel. After approximately 150 minutes, they landed safely in Kent, England, near the town of Hythe. This achievement was a major breakthrough in the development of air travel, demonstrating the feasibility of crossing bodies of water using a hot air balloon. The successful flight paved the way for further experimentation and innovation in aeronautics.