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Vintage original matte-finish 5 x 3.5 photo of Marquis Edgard de Kergariou, Ernest Zens, Orville Wright, and Katharine Wright about to ascend in the hydrogen balloon ‘Icare’ in Pau, France, signed by each in fountain pen, with Katharine adding the date and location below, “February 25, 1909, Pau.” Double-matted and framed to an overall size of 9 x 7. In very good to fine condition, with uniform fading to the image, and poor contrast to Orville's heavily faded signature. A gorgeous and one-of-a-kind piece of aviation history.
In early 1909, the Wright brothers, Orville and Wilbur, were in Pau, France, demonstrating their revolutionary flying machine to European audiences, including royalty, military officials, and aviation enthusiasts. Their goal was to secure international recognition and contracts for their aircraft, solidifying their place as pioneers of aviation. These demonstrations showcased the Wright Flyer's capabilities, including controlled flight and passenger-carrying, and were a critical step in proving the practicality of their invention. Pau, located in southwestern France, was chosen for its favorable weather and open spaces, ideal for flight trials. During this period, the Wright brothers not only captured the imagination of the public but also trained notable aviators, cementing their legacy as the architects of modern aviation. This era marked a turning point in aviation history, as the Wrights transitioned from inventors to global innovators.
The consignor notes that this photograph likely originated from the collection of Ernest Zens, a prominent French aeronaut and ballooning enthusiast during the early 20th century, known for his leadership in hot air ballooning and his contributions to the advancement of aviation. Active in an era of rapid aeronautical innovation, Zens was instrumental in organizing and leading balloon ascents, often collaborating with pioneers of flight, such as the Wright brothers. In 1909, Zens participated in events in Pau, France, where he piloted balloon rides, including one that carried Orville Wright and his sister Katharine. His work reflected the seamless connection between early ballooning and the burgeoning field of powered aviation, as both sought to expand humanity's mastery of the skies. Zens' efforts helped elevate ballooning as both a sport and a scientific pursuit, contributing to the era's growing fascination with air travel.
Edgar Marie Louis Auguste de Kergariou, Marquis de Kergariou (1884–1948), was a French military officer and politician. A veteran of World War I, he ended his military career as a lieutenant colonel, earning the Croix de Guerre (1914–1918) and the Légion d'Honneur. After retiring, he entered politics and served as mayor of Lannion from 1929 to 1943 under the Independent Radicals. In 1938, he was elected to the French Senate after a competitive race and joined the Union Démocratique et Radicale group, contributing to the Public Works and Air Commissions. On July 10, 1940, he voted to grant full powers to Marshal Pétain and withdrew from parliamentary life shortly thereafter. He was later appointed ambassador to Sofia, Bulgaria, in 1943.
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