What is a Lithograph?
Lithography is a printing process based on the fact that grease and water don’t mix.
The design is applied to a flat stone using an oil-based crayon, while the non-image areas are made ink-repellent and water-absorbent.
Once ready to be printed, the stone it is dampened with water, which is absorbed only in the blank areas. Ink is then applied to the stone which adheres to the greasy area. The design is then printed on a damp sheet of paper.
The design is drawn onto a slab of limestone using an oil-based crayon or ink.
A layer of powdered rosin and powdered talc is rubbed onto the stone.
The resulting impression on paper displays a reverse image of the original composition.
The design is drawn onto a slab of limestone using an oil-based crayon or ink.
Image Source: metmuseum.org
