Complete original 24-page issue of the February 4, 1871 Harper's Weekly, with a dramatic centerfold engraving depicting a poignant moment in the Franco-Prussian War titled "The Last Bivouac. The Crest of a Hill between Champigny and Villiers, on the Night of December 5, 1870," drawn by Godefroy Durand.

• This double-page engraving measures a generous 32 x 51.4 cm [12½" x 20¼"] and depicts a moonlit battlefield where weary French soldiers huddle together atop a hill, exhaustion etched upon their faces as they rest amidst scattered equipment, a haunting, visceral image of the physical toll of war and its emotional weight.



• Godefroy Durand (1832-1896) was a German-born French illustrator whose work appeared in various publications in France and Great Britain, including The Graphic, an illustrated weekly newspaper, where "The Last Bivouac" was first published.



• There are five other illustrations in the issue on the conflict between the Second French Empire and the North German Confederation led by the Kingdom of Prussia, which lasted from July 19, 1870 until January 28, 1871, when Paris surrendered, effectively ending the war.



• Among other subjects covered in this issue are Santo Domingo, including a map of the island; a gathering of homeless souls in a New York City station house, drawn by Sol Eytinge, Jr.; portraits of four of the Irish exiles known as the "Cuba Five;" and long winter nights at the North Pole.



• Condition:  This issue of Harper's Weekly is in very good, lightly used condition, bright and clean, complete and intact, with tiny chips in the upper margin of a couple of the rear pages and no marks or writing. Please see the scans and feel free to ask any questions.



• This is the complete, original, February 4, 1871 issue of Harper's Weekly, measuring 16" x 11¼", not a reproduction or modern reprint, and it is fully guaranteed to be genuine.



• Buy with confidence! We are always happy to combine shipping on the purchase of multiple items — just make sure to pay for everything at one time, not individually.