L'Illustration, No. 0029, 16 Septembre 1843

This 1843 edition of a popular illustrated weekly opens a vivid portal to French life in early September. It reports on the ceremonial unveiling of a new bronze statue of King René in Angers, placed in the context of a traveling scientific congress that gathered scholars from across Europe. The article also outlines the parallel dedication of a statue honoring the Abbé de l'Épée at Versailles, giving readers a sense of the era’s reverence for art and philanthropy.

The pages are filled with eye‑catching engravings: Grandville’s satirical hunting scenes, elegant depictions of Queen Victoria’s visit to King Louis‑Philippe, and delicate fashion plates featuring the latest Victorian bracelets. A brief poetic section offers reflective verses on time, comets and birthdays, while a serialized excerpt from the romance Margherita Pusterla adds a touch of medieval intrigue. Readers also encounter a humorous Algerian customs illustration and a clever rebus, making the issue a lively mosaic of culture, humor and history.