Ascending Collection

Vauxhall Royal Balloon first ascent with 9 people, from Vauxhall, London. The maximum possible number of passengers was 28. 9 September 1836

SAINT JOHN CLIMACUS (550-649). Abbot of Mount Sinai. St John Climacus at the top rung of his Ladder of Heavenly Ascent. A late 12th century icon from Sinai

First US manned space flight, 1961. Redstone rocket launching the Freedom 7 capsule into space on 5th May 1961. This mission (Mercury-Redstone 3)

[The Ascent of Mont Blanc], 1861. Creator: Auguste-Rosalie Bisson
[The Ascent of Mont Blanc], 1861

The Big Buddha statue, Po Lin Monastery, Lantau Island, Hong Kong, China, Asia

©EyeUbiquitous_20092712
SWITZERLAND, Canton de Vaud, Chateau d Oex, Three Hot Air Balloons taking off and framed by sections of other balloons

A climber on the classic extreme route Raven Wall on the cliffs at Bosigran, near St. Just, West Penwith, Cornwall, England, United Kingdom, Europe

Winching men up from the coalface - Wales. Note the Davy lamp hanging off the belt of the man in the centre. Date: circa 1910s

Space Shuttle launch, computer enhanced image. This is mission STS-99, flown by the Space Shuttle Endeavour. It launched on 11 February 2000

Launch of Vostok 1 spacecraft, 1961
Launch of Vostok 1 spacecraft. Close-up of the exhaust flames of the rocket launching Soviet cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin (1934-1968) into orbit from Baikonur, Kazakhstan, on 12 April 1961

Volcan de Popocatepetl, 5452m, from Volcan de Iztaccihuatl, 5220m, Sierra Nevada, Mexico, North America

Cable car approaching Aiguille du Midi summit, Chamonix-Mont-Blanc, French Alps, France, Europe

Piccard 1931 Ascent - 1
Swiss scientist Auguste Piccard, with colleague Kipfer, reaches record altitude of 16, 201m, ascending from Augsburg and coming down in the Austrian Alps Date: 27 May 1931

Wellington Cable Car, Wellington, North Island, New Zealand, Pacific

The Queens House Ghost on the Tulip Staircase. In 1966, a retired Canadian Reverend and his wife visited the Queens House, Greenwich, London

Ghost on the Tulip Staircase of the Queens House
Figure photographed on the Tulip Staircase of the Queens House, though photographer saw nothing; during normal opening hours of the Museum - (a digitally restored version of image 10003710)

Jesus Christ, The Ascension (colour litho)
2799812 Jesus Christ, The Ascension (colour litho) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: Jesus Christ, The Ascension. Illustration for Histoire Sainte (Guerin, c 1890)

Saturn V rocket launch, artwork. The Saturn V was the launch vehicle for NASAs Apollo program of manned missions to the Moon. The Apollo program took place between 1961 and 1975

Ascent of Coxwells balloon, Crystal Palace, London
The scientific ascent of Mr H Coxwells Mammoth Balloon from the Crystal Palace, London. Listing below the names of various passengers of Mr Coxwell. 1862

Ascent of Mrs. Graham and the Royal Victoria Balloon accompanied by Mrs. W. H. Adams and Miss Dean, Mermaid Tea Gardens, Hackney

Balloon ascent on Queen Victorias birthday

Grand Aerostatic Balloon, Little Chelsea
Grand Aerostatic Balloon ascending with Mr Blanchard from the Royal Military Academy, Little Chelsea, London. 16 October 1784

Stage in the ascent of Mont Blanc, c1853, (1946). Creator: George Baxter
Stage in the ascent of Mont Blanc, c1853, (1946). Climbers on Mont Blanc, the highest mountain in the Alps - a man is being pulled out of a crevasse on a rope

Climber on the Masara-Corda Rossa via ferrata, Dolomites, South Tyrol, Italy, Europe

The Barbarine - first climbed 1905 - Germany
The Barbarine - the best-known, free-standing rock formation in the German part of the Elbe Sandstone Mountains. The pinnacle is the symbol of Saxon Switzerland

Balloon and parachute lecture, Charles Green

Kepler Mission rocket launch. Delta II 7925 rocket taking off to launch NASAs Kepler Mission. This mission is designed to discover Earth-like planets orbiting other stars

The Assumption of the Virgin, 1516-18 (oil on canvas)
XIR60056 The Assumption of the Virgin, 1516-18 (oil on canvas) by Titian (Tiziano Vecellio) (c.1488-1576); 690x360 cm; Santa Maria Gloriosa dei Frari, Venice, Italy; Italian, out of copyright

Jean Pierre Blanchard and a small dog ascend from the Walnut Street Prison yard in Philadelphia for the first balloon
BALLOONING: US, 1793. Jean Pierre Blanchard and a small dog ascend from the Walnut Street Prison yard in Philadelphia for the first balloon flight in the United States, 9 January 1793. Wood engraving

Mr Greens 100th balloon ascent from the Mermaid Tavern, Hackney, London. 14 May 1832

Spiral staircase outside Perlan, a modern building housing the Saga Museum, Reykjavik, Iceland, Polar Regions

Southern right whale, Eubalaena australis, Hermanus, South Africa

Huntley Himalayas 1890
Ascending the Himalayas on a Huntley & Palmers biscuit card

The Council of Ten, 1860 (oil on canvas)
ELC397702 The Council of Ten, 1860 (oil on canvas) by Celentano, Bernardo (1835-63); Galleria Nazionale d'Arte Moderna e Contemporanea, Rome, Lazio, Italy; (add.info.: The Council of Ten)

The Assumption of the Virgin, unknown date. Creator: Johann Koerbecke
The Assumption of the Virgin, unknown date

The Immaculate Conception, 1608. Creators: El Greco, Jorge Manuel Theotocopuli
The Immaculate Conception, 1608

The Apotheosis of Hercules, 1765. Creator: Giovanni Domenico Tiepolo
The Apotheosis of Hercules, 1765. The Apotheosis of Hercules, along with other similar scenes of figures elevated into the heavens, was a commonly depicted subject in Baroque art

Oscar Erbsloh, ready to go up in balloon, 1916. Creator: Bain News Service
Oscar Erbsloh, ready to go up in balloon, 1916

Nicolas Camille Flammarion ascending in a balloon
3732758 Nicolas Camille Flammarion ascending in a balloon; (add.info.: Engraving depicting Nicolas Camille Flammarion ascending in a balloon)

Ascent of Christian and Hopeful. From The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. 19th century print
2603523 Ascent of Christian and Hopeful. From The Pilgrim's Progress by John Bunyan. 19th century print.; (add.info.: Illustration from the theological fiction The Pilgrim's Progress by John)

Mexican-American War 1846-1848: Seven vessels under Commodore Matthew Perry ascending the Tabasco (Grijalva)
528734 Mexican-American War 1846-1848: Seven vessels under Commodore Matthew Perry ascending the Tabasco (Grijalva) River 15 June 1847

Ascent of M. Godard's Montgolfier balloon from Cremorne Gardens, 1864. Creator: Unknown
Ascent of M. Godard's Montgolfier balloon from Cremorne Gardens, [London], 1864. The...heated-air, balloon, with which M

Silent step to the light
Ekkachai Khemkum

Waterfall Lane, BlackHeath, Black Country, Birmingham, The Midlands, in post war peacetime. February 1949. An Austin Devon van delivers copies of The Birmingham Post and Mail Newspaper

The Ascension, ca. 1593. Creator: Cornelis Bloemaert
The Ascension, ca. 1593

Ancient stairs from Mount Zion down to the lower city of Jerusalem in Biblical times
Israel, Jerusalem, St. Peter Gallicantu, This ancient stairway by the Church of Saint Peter in Gallicantu leads from the upper city down to the lower city and the Valley of Kidron

Silhouetted climbers celebrating on the summit of Eichorn Pinnacle, Yosemite National Park, California, USA. (MR)

The lady
Elinoz Sabus

Magic Mountain Climber
Adam Dauria ☂

Légende de l'an 1850. Creator: Honore Daumier
Legende de l'an 1850. Legend of the year 1850. St. Montalembert, renoncant a ramener les Parisiens dans le chemin de la vertu, remonta

Vrishaketu Shoots Babhruvahana into the Air on a Circle of Arrows (recto)... c1850. Creator: Unknown
Vrishaketu Shoots Babhruvahana into the Air on a Circle of Arrows (recto), Scenes from the Story of Babhruvahana, Folio from a Mahabharata ([War of the] Great Bharatas) (image 2 of 2), c1850

The Assumption of the Virgin, early-mid 18th century. Creator: Carlo Innocenzo Carlone
The Assumption of the Virgin, early-mid 18th century

Illustration for Six Great Events of the Last Decade, 1791. Creator: Daniel Nikolaus Chodowiecki
Illustration for Six Great Events of the Last Decade, 1791. The Death of Frederick II

Jacob's Ladder, c1650. Creator: Jacques Stella
Jacob's Ladder, c1650

The Assumption of the Virgin, between c1734 and c1740. Creator: Gaspare Diziani
The Assumption of the Virgin, between c1734 and c1740

A Steep Ascent in Montigny-sur-Loing, 1876. Creator: Carl Fredrik Hill
A Steep Ascent in Montigny-sur-Loing, 1876

The Assumption, between c1653 and c1655. Creator: Laurent de la Hyre
The Assumption, between c1653 and c1655

Allegory of Dawn, 1673-1677. Creator: Gerard de Lairesse
Allegory of Dawn, 1673-1677

Assumption of the Virgin, 1640-1672. Creator: Jacob Willemsz de Wet the elder
Assumption of the Virgin, 1640-1672

The Ascension of Elijah, 1627. Creator: David Colijns
The Ascension of Elijah, 1627

Assumption of the Virgin, n.d. Creator: Antoine Masson
Assumption of the Virgin, n.d

Fingal Mourning Over the Body of Malvina, from Ossian's Berrathon, c. 1810. Creator: Girodet de Roucy-Trioson
Fingal Mourning Over the Body of Malvina, from Ossian's Berrathon, c. 1810

H.R.H. The Prince of Wales in Egypt -- The Ascent of the Great Pyramid, 1891. Creator: Unknown
H.R.H. The Prince of Wales in Egypt -- The Ascent of the Great Pyramid, 1891. From "The Graphic. An Illustrated Weekly Newspaper", Volume 44. July to December, 1891

Saint Grégoire enlevé au ciel, esquisse pour la coupole de la chapelle Saint-Grégoire... c1690
Saint Gregoire enleve au ciel, esquisse pour la coupole de la chapelle Saint-Gregoire de l'eglise des Invalides, c1690

Coronation of Marie de Medici, May 13, 1610, c1835. Creators: Alexandre-Marie Colin, Peter Paul Rubens
Coronation of Marie de Medici, May 13, 1610, c1835

Elisha Watching Elijah Ascend in the Fiery Chariot, 1750/1755. Creator: Pietro Antonio Novelli
Elisha Watching Elijah Ascend in the Fiery Chariot, 1750/1755

Glory of Saint Jerome, 1704. Creator: Bon Boullogne
Glory of Saint Jerome, 1704

Glory of Saint Ambrose, 1704. Creator: Bon Boullogne
Glory of Saint Ambrose, 1704

Resurection of Christ (banner of the brotherhood of Saint-Sépulcre), between 1701 and 1800. Creator: Unknown
Resurection of Christ (banner of the brotherhood of Saint-Sepulcre), between 1701 and 1800

Ascent of an aerostat, around 1783, between 1778 and 1788. Creator: Unknown
Ascent of an aerostat, around 1783, between 1778 and 1788

Ascension of Charles and Robert, at the Tuileries, December 1, 1783. Creator: Unknown
Ascension of Charles and Robert, at the Tuileries, December 1, 1783

The Transfiguration, c. 1513. Creator: Albrecht Altdorfer
The Transfiguration, c. 1513

The Assumption of the Virgin, 1624. Creator: Paulus Pontius
The Assumption of the Virgin, 1624

Project for a triptych. Creator: Ary Scheffer
Project for a triptych

The Last Judgment, Christ at top center surrounded by many figures, below figures... ca. 1550-1600. Creator: Anon
The Last Judgment, Christ at top center surrounded by many figures, below figures sound trumpets and people are being forced from the boat into hell, ca. 1550-1600

The Transfiguration, c. 1513. Creator: Albrecht Altdorfer
The Transfiguration, c. 1513

Ascent of Bell's Aerial Machine, from Vauxhall Gardens, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Ascent of Bell's Aerial Machine, from Vauxhall Gardens, [London], 1850. The machine which Mr. Bell has constructed...is capable of sustaining a weight of between 500 and 600 lb

Eastern Ascent to the Kanda Myojin Shrine (Kanda Myojin higashizaka), from the series... c.1832/38
Eastern Ascent to the Kanda Myojin Shrine (Kanda Myojin higashizaka), from the series "Famous Places in the Eastern Capital (Toto meisho)", c. 1832/38

Study for the Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi Taken to Heaven in a Fiery Chariot, 1600/02. Creator: Jacopo Ligozzi
Study for the Vision of Saint Francis of Assisi Taken to Heaven in a Fiery Chariot, 1600/02

Resurrection of Christ, 1827. Creator: Gerardus Gossen
Resurrection of Christ, 1827

The Resurrection, c. 1655. Creator: Cornelis de Visscher
The Resurrection, c. 1655

The Last Judgment, n.d. Creator: Jan Wierix
The Last Judgment, n.d

Plate 29 of 38 from Oeuvres de J. B. Huet, 1796–99. Creator: Jean Baptiste Marie Huet
Plate 29 of 38 from Oeuvres de J. B. Huet, 1796-99

Ascent of the Nassau Balloon, from Vauxhall Gardens, on Saturday, 1850. Creator: Unknown
Ascent of the Nassau Balloon, from Vauxhall Gardens, [London], on Saturday, 1850. A grand fete was given at these Gardens on Saturday

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Ascending is a timeless pursuit that has captivated humanity throughout history. From the Vauxhall Royal Balloon's first ascent to the awe-inspiring sight of St John Climacus reaching the top rung of his Ladder of Heavenly Ascent, we have always sought to rise above our limitations. In 1961, mankind witnessed a monumental moment as the first US manned space flight took off, propelling astronauts into uncharted territory and pushing the boundaries of human exploration. This historic event marked an incredible leap forward in our quest for knowledge and discovery. The Ascent of Mont Blanc, captured by Auguste-Rosalie Bisson in 1861, showcases nature's majestic beauty intertwined with man's determination to conquer towering peaks. The image serves as a reminder that sometimes it is not just about physical elevation but also about overcoming personal challenges and conquering one's fears. The Big Buddha statue at Po Lin Monastery stands tall on Lantau Island in Hong Kong, symbolizing spiritual enlightenment and inner growth. Its serene presence reminds us that ascension can take many forms - from scaling mountains to ascending towards higher levels of consciousness. Whether it be a climber braving extreme routes on Raven Wall or miners being winched up from the coalface in Wales, these acts demonstrate courage and resilience amidst adversity. Each ascent represents triumph over obstacles and serves as inspiration for others facing their own uphill battles. Space Shuttle launches continue to mesmerize audiences worldwide with their sheer power and ambition. These remarkable feats highlight humanity's relentless pursuit of progress and our unwavering desire to reach new heights both figuratively and literally. The launch of Vostok 1 spacecraft in 1961 propelled Yuri Gagarin into orbit around Earth, making him the first human being to journey into outer space. This groundbreaking achievement forever changed our perception of what was possible, igniting dreams within countless individuals who dared to imagine themselves among the stars.