18th C. French Reverse Painting on Glass Flight over The English Channel Hot Air Balloon 1785

18th C. French Reverse Painting on Glass Flight over The English Channel Hot Air Balloon 1785 Glass Plate: 7.75"H x 9.7"W x .25"Thick Image Size: Oval- 6.25"W x 4.75"H glass-mounted ink and gouache painting, signed "SM 1785," depicts the historic first manned balloon flight over the English Channel by Jean-Pierre Blanchard and John Jeffries on January 7, 1785. This event marked a significant milestone in aviation history. The painting's crackled finish and fair condition suggest it has aged over time, which is consistent with artworks from the late 18th century.