1920s Set of 4 French Imagerie Pellerin “Four Seasons” Hand-Colored Prints, Epinal

Details

Description

Imagerie Pellerin, Épinal, France
Early 20th century, probably after 1921
Printed in black with color highlights on paper

Charming complete … Read more Imagerie Pellerin, Épinal, France
Early 20th century, probably after 1921
Printed in black with color highlights on paper

Charming complete set of four French “Four Seasons” prints by the celebrated Imagerie Pellerin of Épinal, one of France’s most famous centers of popular printmaking.

Each print bears the heading “Les Quatre Saisons” and depicts a different scene celebrating the pleasures and activities associated with the changing seasons:

Spring – “Les délices du Printemps”
A fashionable couple strolling through a lively country landscape as villagers gather and socialize.

Summer – “Les plaisirs de l’Été”
A rural harvest scene with figures gathering wheat beneath trees, a windmill and village visible in the distance.

Autumn – “Les douceurs de l’Automne”
A colorful grape-harvesting scene with figures picking and pressing grapes among the vines.

Winter – “Les amusements de l’Hiver”
A warm domestic interior showing a family gathered around the fireplace, spinning, playing cards and enjoying indoor winter activities.

Each image is printed in black and enhanced with vivid areas of color characteristic of the celebrated popular imagery produced in Épinal.

The lower right corner of each print is marked “Imagerie PELLERIN – Épinal.” Museum records identify the Imagerie Pellerin name as being used after 1921; these examples are therefore described as early 20th-century impressions, likely issued after that date, possibly from earlier Pellerin designs.

The four sheets are presented under glass in individually sized black frames with striking red and cream mats. The frames are closely coordinated but vary slightly in dimensions and construction.

The paper shows natural age-related toning, occasional spotting and minor surface marks. The frames and mats display various small scratches, rubbing, edge wear and other signs of previous display. These traces are consistent with their vintage character and are clearly visible in the detailed photographs.

A highly decorative and increasingly difficult-to-find complete Four Seasons suite, particularly attractive when displayed together in a dining room, kitchen, country house, library or gallery wall.

Sheet dimensions, each:
approximately 9.8 × 13 in. (25 × 33 cm)

Image dimensions, each:
approximately 7.1 × 4.7 in. (18 × 12 cm)

Overall framed dimensions:
approximately from 15.9 × 13.2 in. to 17.7 × 13.6 in.
(40.5 × 33.5 cm to 45 × 34.5 cm)

Set of four, sold together. See less