Série des constructions n° 92 : Petit jeu de loto

Épinal print, colour lithograph, large format, printed on thick paper.
A tiny marginal lack without any damage to the print, otherwise very fine condition, colours very well preserved.
These sheets are cardboard constructions or models, on which a pattern was printed. This pattern must be cut out then assembled to build 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 theatres or "théâtre chez soi" also enjoyed great success. This toy model developed and lasted 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 print 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 art born in the 15th century intended primarily for the illiterate public of the countryside.
Originally, the image is engraved on a wooden block and printing is done using a hand press. It is then coloured by means of stencils. In the 19th century, lead casts were made from the engraved wood blocks: stereotypes, which allowed production to be increased. In 1820, lithography was adopted, which induced a radical change in style, with finer drawings. In 1900, colouring was still done by stencil, thanks to a machine that could colour 300 images per hour, the Aquatype.