Grandes constructions faciles n°43 : Château aux environs de Dublin

Épinal print, color lithograph, large format, printed on heavy paper. Fine condition, colors very well preserved.
These plates are cardboard constructions or models, on which a pattern was printed.
These plates are cardboard constructions or models, on which a pattern was printed. This pattern must be cut out then assembled to construct various objects or life scenes.
The Épinal printing house 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, boats and various vehicles. During this same period, paper theaters or "théâtre chez soi" also enjoyed great success. This toy model developed and endured until the Second World War.
Once sold by peddlers, Épinal prints 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 popular imagery, a folk art born in the 15th century intended primarily for the illiterate rural public.
Originally, the image was engraved on a wooden plate and printing was carried out using a hand press. It was 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 with stencils, thanks to a machine that could color 300 images per hour, the Aquatype.