MacBeth, Robert. "Three Miles From the Front- Skating at Versailles."

MacBeth, Robert. "Three Miles From the Front- Skating at Versailles." From The Graphic

London: The Graphic, February 11, 1871. 16 1/2 x 11. Wood engraving.  Excellent condition.

The scene shows several French soldiers, women and children ice skating outside of Versailles. The mention of "three miles from the front" references the Franco-Prussian War, which was fought from July 1870 till January 1871. Therefore, this image depicts an early time as the war was already over by the time it was published in February 1871. 

This print is from the English illustrated newspaper The Graphic.  These newspapers, usually issued weekly in England and America, were made popular by the inclusion of wood engravings.  These publications, filled with current text and a multitude of illustrations, became extremely popular from their first appearance with the Illustrated London News in 1842.  This paper was followed in England by The Graphic in 1869.  This source provides us with many images of all parts of the world in the nineteenth century, most of which would not exist without these papers.  This is a fine example of the output of one of the two most successful papers in England; a visual feast for the eyes.