Petites constructions : Bazar Tunisien. N°1246

Image d'Épinal, color lithograph, small format, printed on soft paper.
Very fine condition, colors very well preserved.
These plates are cardboard constructions or models, on which a pattern was printed.
This pattern should 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 "Large Constructions" in 39 x 49 cm format, 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 "home theater" also enjoyed great success. This type of toy developed and lasted until the Second World War.
Once sold by peddlers, images d'Épinal owe their name to Jean-Charles Pellerin, who was the first printer to mass-produce 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 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 casts were made from the engraved wood blocks: stereotypes, which allowed for increased production. 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.