Lithography was invented in the late 18th century. It works because oil and water don’t mix. An artist draws on a stone with oil-based crayon or ink.
The stone is then treated to make some areas water-repellent. When inked, the image sticks only to the drawn parts. This creates a unique, rich impression on paper.
Lithographs are valued for their soft lines and painterly feel. They are often made in limited editions and are seen as original artworks in the art market.
What’s fascinating about lithography is this clever chemistry trick. The artist can draw with great freedom, almost like sketching or painting, directly onto the stone. This hands-on process gives lithographs a distinctive warmth and texture that’s different from other printmaking methods. For collectors, owning a lithograph means getting a piece of fine art that truly captures the artist’s original hand, often at a more affordable price than a unique drawing or painting.
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