Constructions pour enfant : Bateau à vapeur n°117

Image d'Épinal, color lithograph, large format, printed on heavy paper.
A light corner fold not affecting the engraving, otherwise very fine condition, colors very well preserved.
These plates are cardboard constructions or models, on which a pattern was printed. This pattern must be cut out and then assembled to construct various objects or life scenes.
The Épinal imagery published several series of cut-out models including the "Grandes Constructions" in 39 x 49 cm format, the "Moyennes Constructions" and the "Petites Constructions". From 1880 to 1908, constructions were published featuring architecture, costumes, ships and various vehicles. During this same period, paper theaters or "home theater" also enjoyed great success. This type of toy developed and persisted until the Second World War.
Once sold by peddlers, the images d'Épinal owe their name to Jean-Charles Pellerin, who was the first printer to publish this type of image in series, and who lived in the town of Épinal (Vosges). The subjects are very varied but generally revolve around religion, history (French Revolution, battles, military uniforms), or drawn from successful novels. Épinal imagery has its origins in imagery, a popular art born in the 15th century intended mainly for the illiterate public of the countryside.
Originally, the image is engraved on a wooden plate and printing is done using a hand press. It is then colored using stencils. In the 19th century, lead castings were made from the engraved wood: stereotypes, which allowed production to be increased. In 1820, lithography was adopted, which induced a radical change in style, with finer drawings. In 1900, coloring was still done by stencil, thanks to a machine that could color 300 images per hour, the Aquatype.