Gravure Extraite Du Monde Illustré 1861

Edouard Riou made this engraving for the French magazine "Le Monde Illustré," and it shows the Alexandre organ factory in Ivry. The image is a bird's eye view, where we can see the factory in its entirety and a series of vignettes illustrating the different stages of organ production. As a social document, the print celebrates French industry and the Alexandre firm in particular, which was known for its innovative designs. The organ was a prominent fixture in both churches and private homes and the illustration underscores the factory's contribution to French cultural life. "Le Monde Illustré" positioned itself as a champion of progress and national pride, and this print reflects that mission. By examining the magazine's archives, one can get a better understanding of its readership and the values it promoted, and gain a deeper appreciation of how art can be used to shape public opinion.