Grandes constructions : Le Bûcheron. Imagerie d'Épinal Pellerin n°538

Image d'Épinal, colour lithograph, large format, printed on heavy paper.
Very light traces of creasing in the corners, otherwise very fine condition, colours very well preserved.
These plates are cardboard constructions or models, onto which a pattern was printed.
This pattern must 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 "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 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. Épinal imagery has its origins in imagery, a popular art form born in the 15th century intended mainly for the illiterate rural public.
Originally, the image is engraved on a wooden plate and printing is carried out using a hand press. It is then coloured 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, colouring was still done by stencil, using a machine that could colour 300 images per hour, the Aquatype.