Family Scenes at the Tuileries in 1864

‘Mothers and children remain loyal to the chairs and benches of the Tuileries Garden. In the mornings, the odd newspaper reader can be found here, whereas afternoons are when nursemaids most like to take their strolls. Often, young mothers will bring along a their needlework and watch their sweet babies in the paths, unaware that this time, which flies faster than their children’s tiny feet, is in fact the most wonderful of their life. Occasionally, a grandfather will come take an afternoon walk in order to see his grandson, who, aided by his nanny, will take his first steps in his grandpapa’s direction. Youth and old age ordinarily make good fellows. It is little wonder: one is forced to fold its wings, the other has not yet spread its own. Man’s first and final steps on the journey through life look much the same.’