Nicolas Marie Gatteaux; Louis XVI (1754-1793); Aerostatic Experiments of the Montgolfier Brothers; 1783; bronze; 1 5/8 in. (4.2 cm.); The Montgolfier Brothers' first public demonstration of the hot air balloon occurred on June 4; 1783. News spread quickly around the world of their success; and Louis XVI had this medal struck to commemorate the experiment shortly after. The inscription on the reverse; ATTONITUS ORBIS TERRARUM [The World Astonished]; captures the public reception of the news. Later that year; on September 19; 1783; another elaborate public demonstration of the hot air balloon by the Montgolfier Brothers occurred at Versailles witnessed by 130;000 spectators and King Louis XVI himself; ushering in the age of flight.