Lithographic printing
The planographic technique that transformed artistic reproduction
Lithography – Technical Overview
Lithography is a planographic printing technique (neither relief nor intaglio) based on the repulsion between water and grease. The image is drawn on a flat surface (stone or metal plate) and transferred through chemical and physical processes.
Main materials
- Lithographic limestone (traditionally) or an aluminium plate (in modern lithography).
- Greasy crayons or inks (lithographic tusche or grease crayons).
- An acid and gum arabic solution to prepare and fix the image.
- Roller and oil-based printing ink.
- Lithographic press.
Step-by-step process
Drawing on the surface
The artist draws directly on the stone or plate using greasy materials (crayons or inks).
Chemical processing
An acid and gum arabic solution is applied, reacting with the drawing and chemically altering the surface. Undrawn areas retain water, while drawn areas accept greasy ink.
Dampening
Before printing, the surface is moistened. Water adheres to the undrawn areas, preventing them from taking ink.
Inking
A roller applies greasy ink, which adheres to the drawn areas but not to the damp areas.
Printing
Paper is placed over the matrix and passed through a lithographic press, transferring the ink.
Visual characteristics
- A wide range of textures and tones, from fine lines to wash-like areas.
- Ideal for drawn or painterly effects.
- Able to reproduce images with great detail and delicacy.
Notable examples of lithography
Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec
Colour lithographic posters for theatres and cabarets
Honoré Daumier
Social and political satire in the lithographic press
Marc Chagall
Dreamlike and symbolic scenes in lithography