1784, Francesco Guardi, The Balloon Ascent -- Gemäldegalerie (Berlin)
From the museum label: Guardi relocates the first hot-air balloon flight in Venice, on 15 April 1784, from the San Marco basin to the Giudecca canal. There, the balloon floats above a timber scaffold. From the Dogana da Mar (port custom house), the spectators marvel at the event. The picture's particular attraction lies, not least, in the contrast between the dark frame of the portico architecture and the bright blue sky.
1784, Francesco Guardi, The Balloon Ascent -- Gemäldegalerie (Berlin)
From the museum label: Guardi relocates the first hot-air balloon flight in Venice, on 15 April 1784, from the San Marco basin to the Giudecca canal. There, the balloon floats above a timber scaffold. From the Dogana da Mar (port custom house), the spectators marvel at the event. The picture's particular attraction lies, not least, in the contrast between the dark frame of the portico architecture and the bright blue sky.