Grandes constructions - Mécanisme : La Fête du village. Imagerie d'Épinal Pellerin n°503

Image d'Épinal, color lithograph, large format, printed on strong paper.
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 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 "théâtre chez soi" also enjoyed great success. This toy model developed and endured 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. The Épinal imagery has its origins in popular imagery, a folk art born in the 15th century mainly intended for the illiterate rural public.
Originally, the image is engraved on a wooden block 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 blocks: stereotypes, which made it possible to increase production. In 1820, lithography was adopted, which brought about 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.