L'Illustration, No. 0035, 28 Octobre 1843

A bustling autumn at the Champ‑de‑Mars sets the stage for a vivid portrait of Parisian high society and the fierce rivalry between two powerful breeders. Prince Marc de Beauvau and Baron Antony de Rothschild dominate the races, each championing a string of victorious horses—most notably the dazzling filly Nativa, whose effortless triumphs stir both admiration and envy among the crowds. The narrative captures the electric atmosphere of the grandstands, the clatter of hooves, and the whispered wagers that hinge on the fortunes of prized steeds like Annetta and the modest Jenny, whose unexpected rise hints at a shifting balance of power.

Beyond the thundering gallop, the issue weaves in snapshots of contemporary life: glowing gas‑lit streets, theatrical performances, and literary commentary on figures such as Charles Dickens. Illustrated with striking engravings, the pages offer readers a kale­ndar‑like glimpse of 1843 Paris—its fashions, its amusements, and the restless ambition that fuels both sport and society.