Understanding the Key Difference Between Chromolithographs and Lithographs

Ever wonder what makes a lithograph different from a chromolithograph?

By the end of this guide, you’ll know:

• How each print is made
• Why collectors love them
• How to tell them apart at a glance

We dug into historical examples, looked at how artists and printmakers used single stones versus multiple layers of color, and compared techniques, rarity, and visual impact—so you get a clear, hands-on look at both.

First Things First: What’s a Lithograph?

At its core, a lithograph is a print made from a flat stone or metal plate. The artist draws directly onto the surface using a greasy substance, like crayon or ink. Then, through a clever chemical process, the stone makes it so only the drawn parts pick up the ink. Finally, the image is pressed onto paper.

Lithographs can be black and white or printed in a single color, and sometimes they’re hand-colored afterward. The key difference is that a true chromolithograph uses multiple stones to build up the colors. But here’s the key: a lithograph is all about the technique itself. It’s a way for artists to reproduce images while keeping as much of the original look as possible.

Why Collectors Love Lithographs

• Direct connection to the artist: Unlike mass-produced prints, lithographs often capture the artist’s own hand and style.
• Versatility: Artists can use lithographs for everything—from complex, detailed works to simple, stylish illustrations.
• History: Big names like Toulouse-Lautrec, Matisse, and Goya used lithography to share their work with a wider audience.

Basically, a lithograph can be a fine art gem or a simple collectible—it all depends on who made it and how it was produced.

Enter Chromolithographs

Now, let’s add some color. Literally. A chromolithograph is a type of lithograph that uses multiple stones to layer different colors, creating a vibrant, detailed image. Each stone prints a separate color, and when all the layers come together, the result is a rich, eye-popping picture that looks almost like a painting.

Chromolithography, developed in the early 19th century, became a huge deal in commercial art. Printmakers used it to create rich, colorful prints that were more affordable than original paintings. Famous companies like Currier & Ives produced hand-colored lithographs to decorate homes and offices—though most of their prints weren’t true multi-stone chromolithographs.

What Makes Chromolithographs Special

• Multiple stones for multiple colors: Many chromolithographs used around 8 to 12 stones, though especially complex prints could require more.
• Vibrant results: By layering colors, chromolithographs get depth, texture, and really striking visuals.
• Mass appeal: They weren’t just for museums—they were the 19th-century version of Instagram-worthy art.
• Historical cachet: While these were once commercial reproductions, today they’re prized by collectors for their beauty and history.

One thing to know: today, ‘chromolithograph’ usually refers to those historical, multi-stone prints. Modern color lithographs still exist, and while they use similar techniques, they’re often called ‘color lithographs’ rather than chromolithographs.

Understanding the Key Differences Between These Prints

Here’s a quick table that makes it easy to see the difference at a glance:

Understanding this distinction is important if you want to collect wisely. A lithograph might be a one-of-a-kind fine art print, while a chromolithograph represents a mix of technical skill and mass appeal. Both are collectible, but they live in slightly different worlds.

Why Chromolithographs Took Off

Chromolithographs didn’t just appear out of nowhere. The technique was patented in 1837 by Godefroy Engelmann, and several 19th-century trends helped it become a massive hit:

1. Printing technology got better: New presses allowed for more precise color layering.
2. Affordable art for the masses: Middle-class homes wanted beautiful prints without paying for an original painting. Chromolithographs delivered.
3. Advertising and posters: Companies realized colorful prints could grab attention—think 19th-century billboards.
4. Art reproduction: Museums and publishers used chromolithographs to share famous paintings with a wider audience.

For collectors today, owning a chromolithograph isn’t just about beauty—it’s about holding a piece of cultural history. It’s the intersection of art, technology, and commerce.

How to Tell Each Print Type Apart

If you’re eyeing prints at an auction or gallery, here’s how to tell them apart:

Look at the Surface

• Lithograph: Usually smooth and flat. Ink may have subtle texture, but it’s generally uniform.
• Chromolithograph: Layered colors are often visible. Look closely for signs of overlapping inks or registration marks from different stones.

Consider the Colors

• Black-and-white or hand-colored prints? Likely a lithograph.
• Rich, vibrant, layered color? Probably a chromolithograph.

Check the Context

• Chromolithographs were often mass-produced in the 19th century. Look for publisher stamps, edition numbers, or printed credits.
• Lithographs can be originals or limited editions tied directly to the artist.

Ask the Experts

• Auction catalogs, print reference books, and professional appraisers can give you clarity. Provenance matters, especially for chromolithographs that might look modern but are actually 150 years old.

Collecting Tips for Beginners

Here’s what to keep in mind when building a print collection:

Edition and Rarity

• Lithographs with small editions or artist involvement are usually more valuable.
• Chromolithographs were often produced in large numbers, but some editions are rare today due to condition or survival rates.

Condition

• Paper, fading, and wear matter. Chromolithographs can be more sensitive because of the multiple layers of ink.
• Always handle prints carefully and consider professional framing or conservation.

Provenance

• Prints with documented history—like gallery sales, museum exhibitions, or previous notable collectors—are more collectible.

Artistic Significance

• Some chromolithographs, even if commercially produced, are highly valued because they reflect cultural or historical moments.
• Lithographs by well-known artists generally hold strong market value.

Why Collectors Love Both

Both lithographs and chromolithographs offer something unique:

• Lithographs: Elegant, timeless, often intimate works that showcase the artist’s hand. Perfect for collectors who love fine art.
• Chromolithographs: Vibrant, historical, and visually exciting. Ideal for collectors who enjoy color, storytelling, and cultural history.

They’re not mutually exclusive. Many collectors enjoy having both in their collection, appreciating the contrast between the simplicity of monochrome and the spectacle of layered color.

Bottom Line

So, if you’re thinking about buying a print, here’s the takeaway:

• Lithograph = classic printmaking technique, usually black and white, often tied directly to the artist.
• Chromolithograph = multi-color, multi-layer print, often mass-produced in the 19th century, with vibrant colors and historical charm.

Knowing the difference helps you buy smarter, appreciate the craft, and spot pieces that will hold—or even increase—their value.

Whether you’re drawn to the subtle beauty of a lithograph or the layered spectacle of a chromolithograph, understanding these techniques is your first step toward building a thoughtful, impressive collection.

Once you start noticing the differences, you’ll see that every print tells a story—not just of the subject on the page, but of the technology, culture, and artistry behind it. That’s what makes collecting prints so rewarding: it’s art you can literally hold in your hands.