41 x 30 cm (16 x 11.8 inches) Premier Voyage Aerien, 1783. the Montgolfier Brothers invented the first hot air balloon. A Montgolfier balloon soared into the sky for the first manned flight. This took place on November 21, 1783, in Paris, France. Balloons amazed 18th century Europe and America. To create a spectacle, the balloons had elaborate decorations. Ballooning prints of 18th century and Regency period balloons are renowned amongst collectors, as the balloons were so beautiful. The vertical and horizontal lines of the buildings and trees in the prints combine satisfyingly with the plump curves of the balloons, and evoke a feeling of lightness and escape. The brothers Joseph and Etienne Montgolfier sent up the first manned hot air balloon in September 1783. In December of the same year Professor Charles made the first free voyage in a hydrogen balloon. Hot air balloons became know as Montgolfieres and hydrogen balloons as Charlieres. This lithograph was made in the 1950s. Professionally framed.