Dec 17, 2008 - Sale 2167

Sale 2167 - Lot 21

Price Realized: $ 1,080
?Final Price Realized includes Buyer’s Premium added to Hammer Price
Estimate: $ 1,200 - $ 1,800
EMIL LÉVY (1826-1890) GRAND BALLON CAPTIF DU CHAMP DE MARS. 1895.
50 1/2x36 1/2 inches, 129x93 cm. Emil Levy, Paris.
Condition B+: repaired tears, creases and discoloration in margins and image; vertical and horizontal folds.
In 1892, France and Russia entered into the Franco-Russian Alliance, a move that strengthened their position against Germany. As a result, relations between the two countries dramatically improved. In France, many events were organized to honor Russians and Russian culture, a program that culminated with the Tzar's visit to Paris in 1897. The Champ de Mars is a large open space behind the Eiffel Tower that was used to host large celebrations. One of the attractions at the Exposition Russe was a captive balloon, that ascended but was tethered on a rope. Louis Godard was a pioneer in this field, operating balloons all over the world between 1884 and 1899. This balloon at the Champs de Mars was so popular that he operated it for 110.