Reuzenballon 'le Géant' van Nadar wordt opgelaten in Amsterdam, 14 september 1865 Possibly 1865 - 1869

Pieter Oosterhuis made this photograph in Amsterdam on September 14, 1865. It shows the launching of the giant balloon 'Le Géant', designed by the famous French photographer and balloonist Nadar. The photograph captures a moment of great public spectacle. The launching of 'Le Géant' was a major event, drawing large crowds eager to witness this marvel of modern technology. In 19th-century Europe, ballooning was not just a scientific endeavor but also a form of entertainment and a symbol of progress. Nadar, a celebrity in his own right, combined his artistic and scientific interests in his ballooning ventures. He believed that aerial photography could revolutionize mapmaking and urban planning, reflecting the optimistic, forward-looking spirit of the era. To fully understand the image, we can consult newspaper archives and scientific journals. By doing this, we see the complex social and technological context that shaped both the event and its representation in this photograph.