Le Flezel: Aerostatic Machine built by Mr Montgolfier the Elder
Etching, 30.3 x 21.9 cm, anonymous, 1784, or later
Rijksmuseum, Amsterdam

The air balloon, Le Flezel, was constructed by Joseph-Michael Montgolfier the Elder in Lyon. On the 19th of January 1784, Joseph Montgolfier boarded a balloon on the banks of the Rhône, together with some distinguished guests. The balloon floated above a specially designed area with spectators, outside the city of Lyon. In the evening, Montgolfier was honoured at the Lyon Opera.