Petites constructions : Barre fixe. Imagerie d'Épinal Pellerin n°1176.

Épinal print, color lithograph, small format, printed on flexible 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 then assembled to construct various objects or scenes of life. The Épinal imagery published several series of cut-out models including the "Large Constructions" in the format of 39 x 49 cm, the "Medium Constructions" and the "Small Constructions". From 1880 to 1908, constructions were published featuring architecture, costumes, boats and various vehicles. During this same period, paper theaters or "theater at home" also enjoyed great success. This toy model developed and lasted until the Second World War.
Formerly 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 imagery, 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 carried out using a hand press. It is then colored using stencils. In the 19th century, lead castings are made from the engraved wood blocks: stereotypes, which allow 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.