(The Flying Barge)
La barque volante
Engraving on paper 100 x 77 cm
€ 300
PK100B
Free delivery
This piece is not an original. The print is produced on 170 gsm matte photographic paper. The frame is made of wood (typically cedar) with a light brown finish. Both the frame material and the printing medium can be changed upon request. Other sizes are also available.
Except in cases of manufacturing defects or transport damage, returns are not accepted for made-to-measure items. Check the FAQ for more information on returns.
The delivery time for this piece is around 14 days, provided it is not an urgent order. The artwork is properly packaged and insured.
Free shipping only applies to countries in the European Union.
Bartolomeu de Gusmão (1685–1724) was a priest, scientist, and inventor who studied mathematics, physics, and astronomy. He presented a paper on solving exponential equations to the Berlin Academy of Sciences, founded by Frederick I.
Later, he petitioned the Portuguese court, led by King John V, for support to develop an “instrument for traveling through the air,” and received official funding for the project. On August 8, 1709, he gave one of the first public demonstrations of miniature hot air balloons: heated by a flame, the device rose to the ceiling of the Ambassadors’ Hall, astonishing the nobility present. A second demonstration took place in October of the same year, in the open air, but the devices were only small-scale experiments and never carried people.
The depicted image was created by one of the priest’s students and was not intended to accurately reproduce the device but rather to mislead curious onlookers who might want to steal the invention. Even so, it made a powerful impression on the European courts of the time.
The context
This framed poster of Bartolomeu de Gusmão’s Passarola (La barque volante) can be an elegant decorative element for any space. Its age and the symbolism of one of the earliest human flight projects give it a touch of class and distinction. Beyond its vintage and artistic look, the image sparks curiosity and admiration, offering a rich conversation piece full of history and science.
Displaying this decorative work in a room suggests an appreciation for inventive spirit, enhancing the space with culture and sophistication. It is a piece that can surprise and delight visitors by bringing forth Gusmão’s bold pioneering and the human dream of conquering the air, creating an inspiring and refined atmosphere.
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Note – If you would like to customise this piece (size and frame), please do not hesitate to contact us. Furthermore, to see the printing options we offer, click here
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