Papercraft modeling and dolls are as old as paper, but the art form exploded in the 19th century with new innovations in printing technology, and tiny French city of Épinal became one of the global centers of printmaking. During the pandemic, papercraft modeling has been a welcome respite, and we have found countless Épinal prints available online and through Épinal’s Musée de L’Image. In this virtual program, we will examine (and assemble) some of our favorite models, including landmarks of French architecture, notable ships, and scenes from World War I. To provide historical context, we will be joined by Dr. Raisa Rexer, Assistant Professor of French at Vanderbilt University and an expert on 19th century French art and photography.
- French Ministry of Culture online library (POP)
- French National Library Image Bank
- Maison Images d’Épinal (online store)
- Musée de L’Image: Child Cut-Out Pictures exhibition (2014)
- Patricia Mainardi (2010), “Popular Prints for Children … And Everyone Else”
- USS Olympia paper mode from Independence Seaport Museum
Below is a selection of prints from the renowned firm Imagerie d’Épinal from the collections of the Musée de L’Image and the French Ministry of Culture. These paper dolls can be printed on standard 8.5″ x 11″ paper (or larger) and assembled using just scissors and any type of craft glue.
- Les Zeppelins sur Paris (1915) – Zeppelins over Paris
- Italiens Bersagliers et Chasseurs Alpins Combattant dans Le Trentin (1915) – Italian Sharpshooters and Alpine Hunters Fighting in Trentino
- Les Marionettes du Pantin (1915) – Marionette of the Kaiser
- Les Gaz Asphyxiants (1915) – Asphyxiating Gas
- Une Ambulance sur Le Front (1916) – An Ambulance at the Front
- Cuisines Roulantes Halte-Déjeuner (1916) – Breakfast on Wheels
- Fours Roulants Boulangerie Militaire sur Le Front (1916) – Ovens on Wheels Military Bakery at the Front
- Le “Tank” Britannique dit “Crême de Menthe” (1916) – The British Tank named “Crême de Menthe”
- Parc d’Aviation (1916) – Airfield
- Les Américains en France Un Camp d’Instruction (1917) – Americans in France Training Camp
