Basil Smith: Draissiene Bicycle

Artist: Basil Smith
1925 -
Nationality: British
Artwork Year: 1983
Image Size: 7 by 6 inches
Overall Size: 10 by 9 inches
Medium: Mixed Media on Hot Press Illustration Board

In the early 1800s, there arose a great desire throughout Europe to develop a new, simple mode of transportation; one that would be more effective than simply walking, but did not involve the inconvenience and cost of horses or other beasts of burden. A number of inventors came up with a variety of unusual ideas, but the most successful early attempt to build such a vehicle came with the invention of the very first bicycle. This early bicycle was constructed by Baron Karl von Drais in Karlsruhe, Germany. The Baron was especially qualified to develop this vehicle because of his engineering background and woodworking abilities. The first bicycle was a comfortable two-wheeled device that was named after its inventor... the Draisienne. However, in other countries, it went by a variety of other names, such as the hobbyhorse, or the dandy horse. It consisted of a thick, wooden horizontal bar that was attached to two medium-sized wheels. The front wheel was designed to pivot and it was steered by a special bar that was attached to the front axle. In addition, it sported a padded armrest on the steering bar and a plush center-saddle to add to the comfort of the rider while traveling over rough ground. The rider would straddle the bicycle and propel it forward by pushing his feet backward against the ground. The invention of the Draisienne pioneered the way for the development of the modern bicycles that are enjoyed by people around the world.

This painting was originally published on the Fleetwood® Trains & Boats & Planes & More Collection Description Card for the Draisenne Bicycle.

Artwork Copyright © 1983 Unicover Corporation. All Rights Reserved under United States and international copyright laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, transmit, or otherwise exploit the Artwork in any way. Images of the Artwork may be watermarked and/or digitally watermarked. Any sale of the physical original does not include or convey the Copyright or any right comprised in the copyright.

Our Stock Number (SKU): XB08198

US$ Price: $950.00

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