L'Illustration, No. 0050, 10 Février 1844

A vivid snapshot of mid‑nineteenth‑century Paris, this issue blends news, industry, travel and humor in a lively collage. Readers encounter reports from the capital, detailed sketches of new gas‑powered factories, and whimsical illustrations that capture the city’s bustling spirit. Short pieces on agriculture, English pets, and scientific amusements sit alongside a bibliography of recent publications, offering a well‑rounded view of contemporary culture.

The centerpiece is an extensive portrait of General Henri Gratien Bertrand, a soldier who rose from a modest Berry family to become one of Napoleon’s trusted aides. Tracing his early years in the engineering corps, his daring exploits in Egypt, and his decisive actions at Austerlitz and Spandau, the article paints a picture of a man whose talent for engineering and unflinching loyalty earned him the emperor’s confidence. Concluding with the recent news of his passing, the biography provides a compelling glimpse into the life of a figure who helped shape the Napoleonic era.