Definition of a lithograph: A lithograph is an artwork or illustration printed from a stone block onto paper.
One of the most notable artists to use lithography was Carl Brodtmann of Switzerland, renowned for his magnificent hand colored lithographs of animals..
Here is a lithograph by Brodtman of an Arabian Horse and Foal - do you notice the soft, natural appearance compared to an engraving?
Lithography became popular after about 1820. Its great attraction was that drawing on stone was almost as natural as drawing on paper (compared to the older method of engraving a metal printing plate with sharp tool). Click on the pictures of lithographs at the bottom of this page to have a closer look at some. Here's how it worked:
1) The artist would draw on a polished stone (usually limestone from a particular quarry in Bavaria) using a special, waxy lithographic crayon, pen or pencil.
2) The artist would roll black ink over the stone.
3) The ink would only stick to the wax, not the stone.
4) The stone would be pressed onto paper to print the image.
5) The artist would then color the print, either by by painting on water colors, or by using other printing stones to apply colored inks to selected parts of the picture (these prints are known as chromolithographs - the Victorians printmakers were superb at this).
11 Comment(s)
Thanks for telling us that lithography I learnt a lot !
I own a lithograph of Holman Hunt's 'Light of the World' - it was given to my paternal grandparents as a wedding present in 1892.
I have read up on how lithography was made (greasy crayons on to roughened stone). I can understand how an artist could create a lithograph from scratch by making his own actual painting on to the stone - but I cannot figure out how a lithographer could copy with such accuracy a painting like Light of the World. If paintings were simply plain blocks of solid colour, I would imagine that's copyable, but the fine detail and shades of colouration in this picture are incredible enough on their own, without trying to copy!
Is it possible for you to explain to me how this was done (in very simple words, please!!)
Anne Rhodes
Hi Anne, Often lithogprahs were printed as black and white images. Next blocks of solid colour printed over the top. Finally complex colouring added by hand painting them. A good example of this mixed method are the botanical prints by Louis Van Houtte. In those, the greens (e.g. leaves) are usually printed by lithogrpahy. The sophisticated colours in the flowers are often hand finished. This is a rather basic explanation, as there are lot of variations in the process. E.g. by superimposing different colours on top of each other, colours could be mixed to create more colours.
Have a litho of Jesus Christ has litho in usa has been in family at least 150 years old.Dont know much about it
Hi I have a question, If a lithograph is put on glass? Like a glass poster? What would be the correct date like the period 1800s,1900s, so on. I have a Hall De La Plume on glass. I'd like to know if it's a original image or if it's a reproduction. Im still kinda new to the painting world. Thanks if you respond. Thanks if not I understand you are busy. Have a great day
Hi George, I'm guessing early 1900s. We haven't had any like that before. We'd need to see photos. Happy to help. Please go to our page for appraisals under our Customer Service menu, or http://www.finerareprints.com/valuation-of-antique-prints
How can I have my limited edition Michael R. Whipple Paradise collection appraised? its #68/300 stamped and pencil signed.
Please go to our page for appraisals under our Customer Service menu, or http://www.finerareprints.com/valuation-of-antique-prints
Hi, I have 12 limited edition lithographs by Italian Artist. Prof Sergio Pellizzon. The autho. stamps are mainly dated 1990s. and are mainly 20/100, so copies limited. Would much appreciate whatever you can tell me.
Hi Llyn, we specialise in much older prints than yours so have not come across this artist before. You could have a look at "Articles" in our top menu and see if our articles help you identify how your prints were made. Kind regards.
Hi. I have 3 unpainted, black and white lithographs signed by Bruno Liljefors and dated -91. The title is Dornsanger Beim Nestbaus and it is simply exquisite in its detail. The fact that is is uncolored and looks almost like a negative is confusing to me. Would he have added the color right on top of these prints? How can I find out if the lithograph is original? Thank you.
I have a lovely lithograph of "The Broken Pitcher" by Jean Baptiste Grueze. The info at the top of the illustration states "Supplement to the Chicago-Record Herald. Sunday, Nov. 9, 1902". Cannot seem to locate any just like it. Any info is greatly appreciated.
Hi Judy, try doing a reverse image search with google search. You take a photo and then get google to search for the image. Kind regards
I have what I believe is a paintingby w. Dendy sadler. That's been in the family for well over 80 years and is still in its original frame . I would like to no if its water colour or a lithograph any way I can tell ?
Hi Phillip, examine it with a magnifying glass. A litho will be made up of tiny irregular dots. A painting will have continuous smooth colour.
Hi, I just found a Bernhardt T. Wall of the Hasenpfeffer Club. It has four individual pictures of old men playing cards (2), bowling and playing pool and they are in a very old wooden frame I'm having a hard time finding information on it and how much it would appraise for.
The frame measures 22" x 5 1/2 "
Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Wendy, Please see our Appraisals page https://www.finerareprints.com/valuation-of-antique-prints
My husband and I bought a lithograph of Madame Bergeret by Francois Boucher. Currently it hangs above a radiator and we don't think it has appreciated it's new position. The surface texture is minute cracking and we would really appreciate how to deal with this. We tried to seek advice from our museum but owing to Covid restrictions this avenue of enquiry is closed to us. Thank you for any help or suggestions you might be able to give.
Hi Julie, It sounds like the paint used on the litho has been damaged. There's probably not much you can do to get rid of that now. Perhaps hanging it away from the radiator will allow the paper to absorb natural humidity which may relax it if the heat has stretched it. It's best to hang any artwork away from heat or sunlight.
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