Artwork
En ballon captif
En ballon captif is an ink print by the Impressionist artist Honoré Daumier. It dates from 1867 and is held in the collection of the National Gallery of Art.
About this work
Overview
Two men, dressed in typical mid‑nineteenth‑century clothing, sit side by side and gaze through telescopes that point in opposite directions.
Honoré Daumier’s lithograph titled “En ballon captif” portrays a scene inside a hot‑air balloon basket. Two men, dressed in typical mid‑nineteenth‑century clothing, sit side by side and gaze through telescopes that point in opposite directions. The composition isolates the figures, emphasizing the detailed basket against a sparsely rendered background, and evokes the period’s fascination with aerial exploration.
Subject & Meaning
The work captures a moment of scientific curiosity and adventure, reflecting the 1850s enthusiasm for balloon travel. By showing the observers looking outward through instruments, Daumier suggests a dual perspective—both literal, as each man scans the horizon, and metaphorical, hinting at the expanding scope of human knowledge during the era of early aeronautics.
Technique & Style
Executed as a lithograph, the image relies on fine line work and careful shading to render the texture of the basket and the intricate details of the men’s attire. Daumier’s characteristic use of contrast highlights the figures against the minimal surroundings, while the crisp rendering of the telescopes underscores the precision of the scientific equipment.
History & Provenance
Created in the mid‑19th century, the print belongs to Daumier’s broader interest in contemporary social and technological themes. It was produced as part of his series of lithographs documenting modern life, and later entered public collections, where it continues to be cited as an example of his engagement with the era’s scientific advancements.
Artist & collection
Artist
Honoré-Victorin Daumier was a French painter, sculptor, and printmaker, whose many works offer commentary on the social and political life in France, from the Revolution of 1830 to the fall of the Second French Empire in 1870.
