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FRENCH TONNELLIER
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FRENCH TONNELLIER
A French TONNELLIER - a barrel-maker Date: circa 1740
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Media ID 20145951
© Bubblepunk
1740 Barrel Barrels Cooper Coopers Craftsman Maker Worker
EDITORS COMMENTS
This evocative image captures the daily life of a French tonnelier, or barrel-maker, in the mid-18th century. The tonnelier, dressed in the traditional work attire of the time, is intently focused on his craft as he shapes a barrel using a cooper's hoop and mallet. The cooper's shop is filled with the tools of his trade, including barrel staves, wooden mallets, and metal hoops, all arranged in an orderly fashion. The barrel-making industry was an essential part of France's economy during this period, with the country being a major producer and exporter of wine, brandy, and other liquids that required transportation in oak barrels. The tonnelier's skill was highly valued, as the quality of the barrel significantly affected the aging and preservation of the contents. The cooper's art was a labor-intensive process that required a great deal of precision and expertise. The barrel staves were first soaked in water to make them more pliable, then bent and shaped using a combination of heat, pressure, and hand tools. The hoops were then secured in place with wooden hoops or metal bands, and the barrel was sealed with oak staves and hoops to ensure a tight seal. This photograph offers a glimpse into the world of the French tonnelier, a craftsman whose work played a crucial role in the production and preservation of France's most prized liquids. The image captures the dedication and focus of the tonnelier as he creates a barrel, a testament to the importance of traditional craftsmanship in the pre-industrial era.
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