Antique Toy Paper Scenery circa 1896-1906

Imagerie Pellerin d'Epinal Paper Grand Theatre Nouveau

Imagerie D’Epinal- No 1578

Rideau 

This is an original pochoir lithograph. Not a reproduction.  

In 1796, Jean Charles Pellerin had set up the “Imagerie d’Epinal” and popularised printed images of everyday scenes. However, Pellerin’s sheets, like the rest of his products, were intended to be cut out and glued on to cardstock. The theatre collections consist of coloured lithographed sheets of French theatrical stage settings.

New publishers emerged in Epinal in the 19th century, including Charles Pinot and his “Nouvelle Imagerie d’Epinal.” In 1860 he designed the first French toy theatre proscenium, based on the Paris Opera Theatre, although he never published it. The emergence of this new company resulted in a veritable war in the production of images, a battle that was eventually won by the very famous “Imagerie Pellerin d’Epinal”. This publishing house ended up becoming the leading French firm in the field and in 1888 it bought out all of Pinot’s stock.

In 1896, with the new century closing in and the Paris “Exposition Universelle” just around the corner, Pellerin published Pinot’s theatre design under the name “Grand Théâtre Nouveau” and he produced a series of accompanying sceneries that were the cause of admiration due to the use of gold in the sumptuous decorations. The success of this magnificent theatre extended until 1906, and up to 26 different backdrops and riggings were produced, although Pellerin never printed texts to complete his repertoire.

Dimensions approx: 48cm X 39cm (19" X 15")

This item is guaranteed over 100 years old.

Condition: very good. Commensurate to age. Some light surface ripples and a light central crease best seen from the reverse. One repaired tear to top edge. A little wear to edges. Please refer to my photos. 

This item will be sealed in plastic wrap and shipped in a cardboard postal tube to ensure it reaches you safely. Shipped tracked and fully insured. 

Please feel free to ask any questions.