Bouasse Jeune of Paris Sacred Heart and Mother of Mercy Scapular of WWI Poilu (French Infantry Soldier), Circa 1914-1918

This scapular was made by Bouasse Jeune of Paris, probably in the late 1800s, early 1900s, and belonged to a poilu (a French infantry soldier) during WWI. It consists of two pieces of linen, one with a printed image of Mater Misericordiæ (Mother of Mercy) with Bouasse Jeune. Edit. Paris in the lower left corner of the oval. The other image is a felt and embroidered Sacred Heart.

Thank you to https://archivescatalog.udayton.edu/repositories/2/resources/330 for the valuable information on Bouasse:

"Eulalie Lebel was born in Paris in 1809, the only daughter of the printer Jacques-Auguste Lebel. In 1827 she married Francois-Marie Bouasse, a foreman at a printing house. Facing destitution when her husband abandoned her and her two children, she founded a printing house in 1845 under the name "Madame Bouasse, nee Lebel." In 1847, Maison Bouasse-Lebel moved to the Saint-Sulpice neighborhood of Paris, the center of the religious printing industry in post-revolutionary France. Eulalie Bouasse sold the now-successful company to her eldest son, Henri, in 1852. Her other surviving son, Emile, continued to work at the company. During these early years, the company produced books, maps, and other items in addition to religious images. The company received significant praise for their religious products, including a papal commendation in 1871.

In 1867 Emile left the company, and began his own printing house under the name Bouasse-Jeune. This company was also located in the Saint-Sulpice neighborhood of Paris, and a hostile relationship existed between the two brothers and their companies. The introduction of chromolithography in the 1870s was embraced by both Bouasse-Lebel and Bouasse-Jeune, and continued their competition. The two companies became known for their intricate designs, highly symbolic and detailed artwork, and innovative use of printing technologies.

Emile Bouasse passed away in 1881 at the age of 49, and his wife and children took over the company. Eulalie Bouasse-Lebel passed away in 1898. Henri Bouasse-Lebel passed away in 1912, and his company was taken over by his son Albert. Bouasse-Jeune discontinued production sometime in the beginning of the twentieth century."

Each piece measures 7 cm x 10 cm.

*****Condition: Please note that there is some wear to the linen, particularly to the lower right hand corner of the front of the Sacred Heart piece. Also, the reverse of each rectangle as well as the cord have some discoloration. Please examine all photos and do let me know if you need more as I'll be happy to oblige.

Thank you for looking.