3-039-105 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Street scene in Bordeaux, 1871. Franco-Prussian War. Illustration of '...the motley aspect of social life...in the Place des Quinconces...Here are provincial Gardes Mobiles, and Gardes Nationaux Mobilisés from different parts of the country, mixed with a few soldiers of the regular army...The man with the box is a pedlar of stationery, who sells paper, pens and ink, or pencils, to the recruits expecting orders for the march, that they may be able to write letters to their families while absent in the campaign. To the right hand is a charcoal-dealer, carrying on his shoulders a great sack and bundle of fuel, tied up with cord...it was common on a fine sunny afternoon to see jugglers and acrobats performing their tricks for the amusement of the populace, in hopes of a few sous for their reward. The performer in the background is a woman fantastically dressed, who stands upon a man's shoulders and tosses a number of gilt balls. At the back of the dealer in writing-paper is a wounded volunteer, and next to him is a man from the navy. To the left hand are different soldiers; an artilleryman, with his leather-covered trousers...The women lead their children to look on; the little boys are dressed like small soldiers, and carry toy guns'. From "Illustrated London News", 1871.