Fresque de la Montgolfière, Mural in Levallois-Perret, France
Fresque de la Montgolfière is a six-story mural on Rue Carnot depicting a hot air balloon with a woman in the basket releasing a dove against a painted blue sky. The artwork integrates optical depth effects, incorporating objects like a bicycle and shadows from the adjacent park into the composition to create a three-dimensional illusion.
The mural was created by Nadine Leprince in 1992 as part of an artistic initiative that began transforming Levallois-Perret's urban landscape in the 1980s. This movement continued through the following decades, establishing the town as an important center for mural art in the region.
The name Montgolfière references the inventors of the hot air balloon, and the imagery shows how this dream of flight persists in urban art. The dove released by the woman represents freedom and hope, themes that continue to resonate in the local art community.
The mural is located on Rue Carnot and can be easily reached by taking Metro Line 3 to Louise Michel station. It is best to visit during daytime to fully appreciate the details and depth effects of the artwork in good light.
The Montgolfière is one of the few murals in the region that specifically interacts with the surrounding environment by incorporating actual objects like a real bicycle frame. This integration makes the artwork appear different with each visit, depending on how sunlight and seasons transform the scene.
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