The Tricolor — Balloon Ascension, Paris (6 June 1874)

A summer crowd, a hush, then lift: the French tricolour rising against the Paris sky. This striking period image captures the romance of aerostation—rigging taut, envelope swelling, and the city holding its breath as the balloon climbs. Flags stream, hats tip, and that late-19th-century thrill of science, spectacle, and civic pride fills the scene. A conversation-starting print with vintage theatre and unmistakable French flair.

Why it captivates

• Parisian spectacle — the elegance and optimism of a public balloon ascent.

• Iconic symbolism — the tricolour aloft: nation, celebration, and flight in one image.

• Vintage graphic charm — crisp linework and poster-like clarity that reads beautifully at scale.

• Timeless palette — reds, whites, and blues balanced by warm crowd tones and sky.

• History that pops — links 1870s Paris to the age of flight and public science.

• Statement artwork — a bold focal point for living rooms, offices, and studios.

What you’ll see

A French-flag-themed balloon lifting from a Paris square; gondola and ropes neatly drawn; banners and onlookers arrayed below; architecture glimpsed beyond the rigging; a clear, luminous sky. Up close: crisp detailing and period typography/ornament. From a step back: a poised, celebratory scene with strong graphic presence.

A richer historical frame

After the Montgolfier breakthroughs of 1783 and the balloon posts of the 1870–71 Siege of Paris, aeronautic ascents became favourite public events. Dated 6 June 1874, this image belongs to that era of civic demonstrations and festive gatherings—where technology, nationhood, and urban life met in open air under the tricolour.

Choose your finish

🌟 Heavyweight Paper (160 gsm matte)
Archival-grade, smooth matte stock ideal for framing under glass. Crisp detail, minimal glare.

💎 Laminated (True Encapsulation)
Sealed in 2 × 80-micron gloss laminate, edge-to-edge. Durable, wipe-clean—perfect for busy spaces.

🪵 Laminated + Timber Hang Rails (Ready to hang)
Lacquered natural timber rails with fitted hanging cord; no frame required.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

🏆 Archival Canvas (395 gsm HP Professional Matte)
Museum-quality texture with pigment-based, fade-resistant inks for rich tone and fine detail.

🪵 Canvas + Timber Hang Rails (Gallery-ready)
As above, supplied with lacquered natural timber rails and hanging cord.
Please allow up to 10 working days for hang-railed delivery.

Size (W × H)

528 × 841 mm (approx. 20.79 × 33.11 in)

• Orientation: Portrait

• Aspect ratio: ~0.628 : 1

• Nearest standard frame: A1 portrait (594 × 841 mm) with a custom mat

• Framing tips:

  • Classic: cut the mat window to ~524 × 837 mm for a clean 2–3 mm edge overlap.

  • Contemporary: float-mount within an A1 frame for a generous gallery reveal.

Custom sizing: Available on request (alternative aspect ratios or added white border).

Specifications

Who it’s for

• Francophiles & travellers drawn to Parisian history

• Aviation & design enthusiasts celebrating early flight and bold graphics

• Stylists & collectors building lively, conversation-rich interiors

• Gift-givers marking birthdays, housewarmings, and graduations

Our Commitment

Every print is produced locally in Australia on premium substrates with careful colour management, then hand-checked and packed so it arrives ready to impress. From studio to wall, we stand behind the craftsmanship and historical integrity of your piece.

Let Paris take flight on your wall—order your fine-art print of The Tricolor — Balloon Ascension, Paris (1874) today.