Lithography

Lithography was discovered by accident in 1798. The principle of this surface method is based on the antipathy of grease and water. The most autographic method, the artist draws his image with a greasy chalk on the grained surface of a heavy slab of limestone. The stone is then moistened. Wherever there is grease the water is repelled. A greasy ink is rolled over the stone’s surface. Where there is a greasy mark or line the grease on the roller is attracted: Where the stone is damp and clean, the grease is repelled. Paper is then placed on the stone and run through a lithographic press, producing a duplicate of the surface drawing.

The most painterly of methods, lithography became a favorite among most of the great artists of the 19th and 20th Centuries, particularly in France. Delacroix, Gericault, Daumier and Derain were but a few of the great French lithographers.

Chromolithography

This term includes all types of lithography printed in colour. Chromolithography was invented in Germany during the mid 1830’s. By using a series of carefully registered stones, a chromolithograph requires an individual printing for every colour required. Some of the more complicated examples ran to more than thirty printings.

During the nineteenth century, chromolithography was used for everything from advertising to fine art. The most famous examples are the large art nouveau posters of Lautrec, Grasset, Berthon and others.

Information provided by:http://www.artoftheprint.com