MONTGOLFIERE - BALLON - "GLOBE AEROSTATIQUE, dédié à Monsieur Charles". c.1800. Etching and burin engraving by DENIS (b.1745), after a drawing by Claude-Louis Desrais (1746-1816). Old-fashioned coloring. Proof with the letter, on wove paper. Ref: De Vinck, n°977. A Paris, chez Jacques Chereau, rue St Jacques au-dessus de la Fontaine St Severin aux 2 colonnes n°257. Margins. Rare. This engraving depicts the solo ascent of Professor Jacques Charles from the spot where he and MN Robert had just completed the world's first gas balloon trip. Robert granted Charles the honor of a solo ascent at the end of the day. 34 x 43.5 cm. A/B condition (light foxing to margins and verso, subject in good condition).