Ildefonse Rousset

Born in Paris in 1817, Ildefonse Rousset led a multifaceted life. Ildefonse Rousset was a journalist, photographer, publisher, and even a bookseller. His final resting place is here, marked by an impressive six-columned naos monument created by sculptor J. Guerlain. Ildefonse Rousset’s connection to the literary and political world is evident. His older brother, Camille Rousset, became a renowned historian and academician. Both brothers attended the prestigious Collège Stanislas in Paris. Ildefonse Rousset made his mark in the journalistic field. He was the director of the newspaper *Le National*, a publication with a rich history of opposing the Second Restoration. *Le National*, under Rousset’s leadership, became known for its strong republican stance. The paper even championed the presidential candidacy of General Cavaignac against Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte in 1848. Rousset’s impact extended beyond politics. He published photographic works, including *Le Tour de Marne* and *Le Bois de Vincennes*, co-authored with Émile de La Bédollière. These books garnered praise for their artistic quality, with Théophile Gautier comparing the photographs to the paintings of Corot and Daubigny. Ildefonse Rousset was a man of diverse interests, spanning from literature and politics to photography and publishing. His tomb serves as a reminder of his contributions to 19th-century French intellectual and artistic life.