Louis Jules Arnout (1814-1868), Epsom Races, View Taken in a Balloon = Courses d’Epsom, vue prise en ballon. Aerial Excursions = Exursions aériennes, 1846. Toned lithograph. Graphic Arts Collection

The French artist and printmaker Jules Arnout traveled across Europe making bird’s eye views of the major cities and important civic events. He used a hot-air balloon to sketch each excursions aériennes and then, drew his balloon into the final scene. Arnout’s primary printer and publisher was Joseph Rose Lemercier (1803-1887), whose Paris firm specialized in lithographic printing. Together, they collaborated with publishers throughout Europe to distribute Arnout’s scenes.

In 1846, a thoroughbred named Pyrrhus, The First, won the Epson Derby, held each June in Surrey, England. Huge crowds traveled out from London to watch the race and enjoy a day in the country. For many years, Parliament would adjourn so its members could attend.

Other titles by Arnout include St. Cloud en ballon, vue prise de Boulogne; Fontainebleau en Ballon, vue prise au dessus du Gd. Quartier de Cavalerie; Orléans en Ballon, vue prise au dessus du Gd. Quartier de Cavalerie; Paris en Ballon, Vue prise au dessus de l’île St. Louis; Paris et ses forticications, vue prise au dessus du Mont Valérieux; Rouen en Ballon. Vue prise de la cote ste. Catherine; and Versailles en Ballon, vue prise au dessus du Gd. Quartier de Cavalerie; among many others.