Le calendrier de la cour : tiré des ephémérides, pour l'année bissextile mil sept-cent quatre-vingt-quatre : contenant le lieu du soleil, son lever, son coucher, sa déclinaison: le lever de la lune & son coucher, &c. : avec la naissance des rois, reines, princes & princesses de l'Europe imprimé pour la famille royale et maison de sa Majesté 1784

This is a small, leather-bound calendar made in 1784 by La Veuve Hérissant, adorned with gold tooling. The rich, reddish-brown leather provides a warm, tactile surface, while the gold leaf shines, catching the light and drawing the eye. The book's cover is structured by symmetrical, curvilinear designs. Notice how the central image of the hot air balloon, a relatively new invention at the time, is framed by ornate, floral motifs and fantastical creatures. The balloon itself is rendered with fine lines, suggesting its delicate construction and the daring of early aviation. Consider how the compact scale of this object contrasts with the grandiosity of the balloon, a symbol of human aspiration and technological advancement. The use of gold, traditionally associated with royalty and preciousness, elevates the status of this everyday object, transforming it into a luxurious item fit for the French royal family. This calendar is not just a practical tool, but also a statement about the era's fascination with science, exploration, and the blurring of boundaries between earth and sky.