Contents: What Is a Lithograph?
Introduction to Lithography
Lithography
was a printing technique invented in 1796 by German playwright and actor Alois Senefelder. He initially developed the process as a cheap and efficient way to print his plays, which he was unable to afford to publish using traditional methods.
Lithographs
quickly gained popularity as a medium for printing images and illustrations, and by the mid-1800s, it had become one of the most popular forms of commercial printing. It was especially popular for printing posters, advertisements, books, and sheet music.
In the 20th century, lithography became a popular medium for fine art as well. Artists such as Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Pablo Picasso, and Joan Miró used lithography to create some of their most iconic works.
Today, lithography remains an important medium for both commercial and fine art printing.
The term lithograph derived from two ancient Greek words: lithos
meaning “stone”, and graphein
meaning “to write” or “to draw”. Together they form lithographia, which means “stone drawing”.
Understanding the Lithographic Process
Want to see how a lithograph
is made? Check out this awesome video! It shows the entire process from start to finish and reveals the beautiful final product.
Or, if you’re more of a step-by-step kind of person, keep scrolling to get a breakdown of the lithographic process. I’ll show you exactly how it’s done!
Let me take you on a journey through my lithographic process! (Before we dive in, let me explain that lithography is a printing method that relies on the simple fact that oil and water don’t mix.)
- I start by selecting a flat lithographic stone (bavarian limestone) that’s perfect for holding both grease and water. Then, I get to work preparing the stone by cleaning and polishing it until it’s pristine clean.
- Next, it’s time to get creative! I use greasy materials like litho pencils or lithographic crayons to draw my design directly onto the surface of the stone. Once the drawing is complete, I apply rosin and talc to establish the drawing inside the stone – this is called an etch.
- After that, it’s time for some chemical magic. I use materials like gum arabic and TAPEM to create areas where the stone will receive water. Then, I buff the gum arabic evenly using cheesecloth.
- The drawing material is washed out with lithotine, leaving behind a ghost image on the stone’s surface. At this point, the stone has been transformed into soap (oleo-manganate of lime) – pretty cool, huh?
- To make the ghost image receptive to grease, I buff asphaltum into the surface until it’s just right. Now it’s time to bring our design to life!
- I dampen the stone with water, and the water is only absorbed by areas where there is no drawing. This is followed by the application of colored greasy ink, which sticks only to the treated areas that contain the ghost image.
- And finally, the moment we’ve been waiting for – it’s time to transfer the ink onto the paper! I place the paper onto the surface and press it down with a printing press, creating a beautiful lithograph print.
Here’s an example of an artist creating a lithographic print using a metal plate:
The lithographic process involves a lot of intricate steps, but the final product is a true work of art!
Planographic Printmaking Process
Lithography is considered a planographic printing technique. Planography refers to printing methods that involve the use of a flat printing surface, as opposed to raised or engraved surfaces like those used in relief or intaglio printing.
Relief printing is a printing method in which the image is raised above the surface of the printing block, and the ink is applied to the surface of the block. When the block is pressed onto the paper, the raised areas transfer the ink to the paper, creating the image.
Intaglio printing is a printing method in which the image is etched into a metal plate using acid or engraving tools. The ink is then forced into the etched areas, and the surface of the plate is wiped clean. When the plate is pressed onto the paper, the ink in the etched areas transfers to the paper, creating the image.
The Different Types of Lithographs
Lithographs are a captivating art form with various types, each with unique characteristics and production methods. As an art buyer, knowing these differences can help you make informed decisions. So, let’s take a closer look at the different types of lithographs available.
Original lithographs are genuine, original works of art. The artist draws an image on a stone or metal plate using a grease-based substance. Then, the plate is chemically treated to fix the image, and ink is applied to create the final print. Since each original lithograph is hand-drawn, they are one-of-a-kind works of art.
Reproduction lithographs are produced using a photographic process. An original artwork is photographed, and the image is transferred to a printing plate. Ink is applied to the plate, which is then pressed onto paper to produce the final print. Reproduction lithographs are often produced in bulk, making them more affordable than original lithographs.
Limited edition lithographs are special prints created in a limited run and numbered and signed by the artist. The artist prints a certain number of copies, and once the run is complete, the plate is destroyed to prevent further printing. Limited edition lithographs are more valuable than open edition prints because they are produced in limited quantities.
Lithographs can be created using various plates, such as stone, aluminum, and zinc. While stone plates were traditionally used, aluminum and zinc plates are more commonly used today because they are less porous and more durable. The type of plate used can affect the texture and quality of the print.
Collecting Lithographs
if you’re into collecting lithographs, I’ve got some tips to share that will help you make informed purchases and take care of your artwork like a pro. Let’s dive in!
Know what to look for: First things first, you want to know what to look for when buying lithographs. The key is to find high-quality prints with clear and detailed images that aren’t damaged or faded. Make sure to look for the artist’s signature and a numbered edition, as this indicates that you’re getting an original piece.
Care for your lithographs: Once you’ve made your purchase, it’s important to care for your lithographs properly. These delicate pieces can be easily damaged by direct sunlight, moisture, and even the oils and dirt from your hands. So, keep them out of harm’s way by storing them in acid-free archival sleeves or mats, and handle them with clean, dry hands or gloves.
Determine the value: Finally, you want to know how to determine the value of your lithographs. Factors such as the artist, rarity, condition, and demand among collectors all come into play here. Do your research by checking recent sales of similar works by the same artist, or consult with a reputable art appraiser.
Collecting lithographs is a wonderful hobby that can bring joy and enrichment to your life. By following these tips, you’ll ensure that your pieces are of the highest quality, well-preserved, and valuable additions to your collection.
Conclusion: Should You Choose a Lithograph?
In this post, we’ve delved into the world of lithography, its history, types, and how to collect and care for these unique works of art. I hope this information has piqued your interest and deepened your appreciation for lithography’s place in the art world.
Adding a lithograph to your collection can be an excellent choice, as they offer a distinctive texture and character that can enrich any art collection. Additionally, lithographs tend to be more affordable, making them accessible to a broader audience.
But before you add a lithograph to your collection, it’s crucial to do your research. Investigate the artist and their body of work, as well as the type of printing process and materials used. This will help you determine the value and authenticity of the piece.
In conclusion, lithography is an exciting and ever-evolving art form that has stood the test of time. Regardless of your experience as a collector, a lithograph can be a valuable addition to your collection. So, take the time to explore this art form and discover the beauty and history of lithography for yourself.
Extra Remarks: What Are Litographs?
A lithograph is a printmaking process that involves creating an image on a flat surface using greasy materials such as greasy crayons. The design is drawn directly onto a smooth surface called a matrix, usually made of bavarian limestone or metal, which is then later inked and printed onto paper.
The process of lithography relies on the immiscibility of water and oil-based inks. The greasy materials used in the design repel the water and attract the oil-based inks used in the printing process. In other words, ink adheres only to the parts of the matrix that have been drawn on with the greasy materials on the lithographic stones (or metal plates), resulting in a reproduction of the design.
The versatility and ease of use of lithography have made it a popular printing method, especially for artists. It allows for a wide range of design possibilities and can be used to create prints with intricate details. Whether created using a lithographic stone or metal plate, lithographs are a unique form of fine art that showcases the beauty and power of printing.