Q: What is the difference between a lithograph and a lithograph print?

The difference between a lithograph and a lithograph print depends on the context. By the strictest definition, the terms are actually synonyms. A lithograph is the term for a print produced through a specific process. It begins with an artist drawing or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche. The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. The stone is then covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press. You can call a print produced with this printmaking method a lithograph, a lithograph print or a lithographic print. However, some people may use the term lithograph to describe a traditional lithograph and lithograph print to denote an offset lithograph. Offset lithography is a method of mass-producing prints where the image from the stone gets transferred to a rubber blanket, which is then pressed against the paper to produce a final image. Find a wide variety of lithographs on 1stDibs.

Question 1

What is an after lithograph?

Accepted Answer

A lithograph is a piece of artwork created using oil and water. An after lithograph is a copy of an existing painting done after the original painting’s creation. Pablo Picasso would have after lithographs created of his famous works, usually by another approved artist. On 1stDibs, find a collection of lithographs from some of the world’s top sellers.

Question 2

What is the difference between a lithograph and a lithograph print?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lithograph and an etching is that while both are types of prints, they are made using different techniques. With respect to lithography, the image to be printed is drawn or painted on a stone or metal plate with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche (an oily wash). The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. Afterward, the stone is covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press.

Etching is a way of incising lines in a metal plate by first drawing on an acid-resistant coating, or ground, to reveal the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which “bites” the lines into the metal plate. The ground is then removed and the plate is inked for pressing.

Find a collection of lithographs for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 3

What is a signed lithograph?

Accepted Answer

A signed lithograph is an art print produced with a particular method that bears the artist's real signature, signed in ink. The term lithograph refers to a print made by drawing an image onto a stone, etching the stone with chemicals and then applying ink. The term signed lithograph is different from a plate-signed lithograph, where the artist adds their signature to the stone to transfer it onto finished prints rather than signing their works by hand. Explore a large collection of lithographs on 1stDibs.

Question 4

What is a color lithograph?

Accepted Answer

A color lithograph is a print produced through the process of chromolithography. Unlike traditional lithography, which uses a single stone and one color of ink, chromolithography involves multiple printing stones, each of which corresponds to a single color. Artists etch the stones with only the elements of the image that will show up in that color, then transfer the image, part by part and color by color, onto paper. Find a range of color lithographs on 1stDibs.

Question 5

What is a numbered lithograph?

Accepted Answer

When%20a%20lithograph%20is%20numbered%20by%20the%20artist%2C%20it%20means%20that%20this%20particular%20artwork%20is%20from%20a%20'limited%20edition'%20series.%20As%20when%20the%20lithographs%20are%20not%20numbered%2C%20they%20would%20be%20from%20an%20open%20edition%20and%20the%20total%20number%20similar%20of%20artworks%20is%20unknown.%20When%20a%20lithograph%20is%20numbered%20it%20usually%20also%20comes%20hand-signed%20by%20the%20artist.

Question 6

What is an original lithograph?

Accepted Answer

An original lithograph is a print made by way of a specific printing method (one of the most commonly used methods in the 20th and 21st centuries). With respect to lithography, the process begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche (an oily wash). The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. The stone is then covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press.

Question 7

What is a lithograph poster?

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

Is a lithograph an original?

Accepted Answer

No, a lithograph is not an original. Lithographs are prints, which are authorized reproductions of works produced by artists. To produce a lithograph, an artist applies an image to a stone. Then, they treat the stone with chemicals to impart the image into it. Finally, they apply ink and transfer the image onto paper or another medium. Shop a large selection of lithographs on 1stDibs.

Question 9

Who is a famous lithographer?

Accepted Answer

There are many famous lithographers. One was Alois Senefelder. Sometimes called the “Father of Lithography,” he accidentally discovered the printmaking technique in 1796 when trying to find a new way to make copies of his plays. His discovery eventually led to the use of lithography to produce artwork. During the 18th century, artists who experimented with the technique included Honoré Daumier and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec.

Lithography became an even more popular art form during the 20th century when it was used by artists like Alphonse Mucha, Marc Chagall, Edvard Munch, Pablo Picasso, Joan Miró, Diego Rivera and Käthe Kollwitz.

Find a wide range of lithographs on 1stDibs.

Question 10

What is the difference between an offset lithograph and an original lithograph?

Accepted Answer

The difference between an offset lithograph and an original lithograph is that the former is made using the other. To produce an original lithograph, a printmaker begins by drawing on or painting on a stone surface with an oil-based substance. The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. The stone is then covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press. An offset lithograph is a copy of an original lithograph produced with mechanical processes, usually without the artist's involvement. On 1stDibs, explore a collection of lithographs and other art prints.

Question 11

Are Lithographs Valuable?

Accepted Answer

The most valuable lithographs are ones made by the artist, rather than someone mimicking a famous work of art. Original lithographs can be worth tens of thousands of dollars.

Question 12

What is a genuine lithograph?

Accepted Answer

A genuine lithograph is when an artist creates a piece of art on a stone or metal plate that is re-inked every time the image is pressed to paper. To ensure you purchase authentic, high-quality lithographs, look for a reputable seller. Shop a selection of expertly vetted lithograph art on 1stDibs.

Question 13

Why are lithographs so expensive?

Accepted Answer

Lithographs are so expensive largely because of their properties. Compared to other types of prints, they tend to be more painterly, meaning they are better at capturing the qualities of color, stroke and texture featured in an original image. Since they bring paintings and other images to life in rich detail, artists and dealers can sell them for higher prices. Lithographs may also be expensive due to their rarity or creation by a famous artist. Shop a large selection of lithographs on 1stDibs.

Question 14

Is there a market for lithographs?

Accepted Answer

Yes, there is a market for lithographs. However, demand for this type of artwork varies based on the artist, subject, age, condition and other factors. Fine art prints are created in strictly limited editions — of 20 or 30 or maybe 50 — and are always based on an image created specifically to be made into an edition. Because an artist’s editions tend to be more affordable and available than his or her unique works, new collectors are often directed toward prints as a starting point. Experts suggest that as collecting prints online has become more common, the market for lithographs and other kinds of prints is poised to flourish in the years to come. On 1stDibs, find a variety of lithographs and other prints from some of the world’s top galleries.

Question 15

What is the difference between a hand-pulled lithograph and an offset lithograph?

Accepted Answer

In a hand-pulled lithograph, the image is painted or drawn by hand on the plate, which is then inked and used to make an impression on the print medium; in an offset lithograph, the inked image is transferred to a rubber blanket or roller, which is then used to mass-produce the prints.

Question 16

What is the difference between a canvas and a lithograph?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a canvas and a lithograph is format. A canvas is a piece of art that displays a painting or a print. It can be outfitted with hardware and hung directly on a wall. A lithograph is a type of print produced by applying ink to a stone and then transferring an image onto paper. Usually, you need to frame a lithograph prior to mounting it on a wall. On 1stDibs, find a large selection of wall art.

Question 17

What is the difference between a lithograph and a serigraph?

Accepted Answer

Like a lithograph, a serigraph (or screen print) is a print, but in this case, the image to be printed is stenciled onto fabric, instead of being painted onto a stone or metal plate, as in a lithograph.

Question 18

What is the difference between a lithograph and a Seriolithograph?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lithograph and a serigraph is the materials used to make the print. To make a lithograph, a printmaker uses ink, stone or metal plates and paper. Serigraph prints require a stencil, ink and fabric. Shop a variety of art prints on 1stDibs.

Question 19

What is the difference between a lithograph and an etching?

Accepted Answer

The difference between a lithograph and an etching is that while both are types of prints, they are made using different techniques. With respect to lithography, the image to be printed is drawn or painted on a stone or metal plate with an oil-based substance, such as a greasy crayon or tusche (an oily wash). The stone is then covered with water, which is repelled by the oily areas. Oil-based ink is then applied to the wet stone, adhering only to the oily image. Afterward, the stone is covered with a sheet of paper and run through a press.

Etching is a way of incising lines in a metal plate by first drawing on an acid-resistant coating, or ground, to reveal the metal beneath. The plate is then submerged in acid, which “bites” the lines into the metal plate. The ground is then removed and the plate is inked for pressing.

Find a collection of lithographs for sale on 1stDibs.

Question 20

What does EA mean on a lithograph?

Accepted Answer

On a lithograph, "EA" means épreuve d'artiste. It indicates that the lithograph was an artist's proof. The printmaker likely produced it for their own collection or to test the printing process. "EA" prints were not meant to be sold or distributed to the public. You'll find a wide selection of lithographs on 1stDibs.

Lithograph With Frame

Mid-20th Century Surrealist Animal Prints

Graham SutherlandBeetles II (With Electric Lamp), 1968

1960s American Modern Still-life Prints

Tom WesselmannStill Life with Fruit, from 1¢ Life, 1964

1950s Modern Interior Prints

Raphael SoyerRaphael Soyer "Woman With Her Suitcase" Litho, c. 1950, c. 1950

1920s Expressionist Portrait Prints

Otto DixDame mit Reiher (Woman with a Tuft of Heron Feathers) /// German Expressionism, 1923

1960s Figurative Prints

Alberto GiacomettiGiacometti Nu Aux Fleurs (Nude With Flowers) Limited Edition, Signed Print, 1960

1890s Modern Portrait Prints

Pierre-Auguste RenoirL efant aux biscuit (Child with Cookie), 1899

1980s Other Art Style Still-life Prints

Mihail ChemiakinStill Life with Fish and Knife, 1980

Vintage 1970s Italian Mid-Century Modern Prints

Giorgio De Chirico Lithograph "Gli Archeologico", 1970

20th Century Prints and Multiples

Chloë CheeseStill life with Blue Jug by Chloe Cheese, 1984 circa, 1984 circa

21st Century and Contemporary Pop Art Mixed Media

Peter MaxFlag with Heart on Blends

1960s Modern Figurative Prints

Marc ChagallThe Clown with Flowers, from 1963 Mourlot Lithographe II, 1963

1980s Pop Art Figurative Prints

David HockneyDavid Hockney, Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book, 1980, 1980

1970s Pop Art Interior Prints

Roy LichtensteinSTILL LIFE WITH LOBSTER, 1974

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Garden Flowers in Bloom: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Geese in Calm Elegance: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

Mid-20th Century Modern Landscape Prints

Chuzo TamotzuChuzo Tamotzu Litho, Southwestern Landscape with Donkeys Mission, c. 1950s

Early 20th Century Paintings

Union Metallic Cartridge Company Bullet Board Lithograph

1970s Contemporary Prints and Multiples

Swierzy- 1972 Lion with Mouse Vintage CYRK Poster, 1972

Mid-20th Century Figurative Prints

Julian TrevelyanHarbour (from School Prints) - Trevelyan Print with Boats, Figures and Sea, 1946

1970s Performance Figurative Prints

Albert Al HirschfeldCharlie Chaplin with Flowers Hollywood Movie Star Oscar Legend Iconic Caricature, 1989

Antique 19th Century English Neoclassical Prints

19th Century Hand Tinted Botanical Lithographs - 12 Available

20th Century Still-life Prints

Philip SuttonFiji Rose, Graphic Blue and Red Colour Print with Flower, 1973, 1973

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Woman in Plum Blossom Grove: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Lacquer and Inlay Fan Fragments: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Butterfly and Vine Textile Design: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Floral Motifs on Golden Background: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

1980s Pop Art Prints and Multiples

Red Grooms1988 van Gogh with Sunflowers HAND SIGNED Limited Edition, 1988

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Floral and Butterfly Textile Pattern: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Textile Patterns in Rich Colors: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

Antique 1880s Prints

Japanese Bird and Blossom Lacquer Tray: Antique Lithograph, 1880s

1980s Contemporary Prints and Multiples

Aaron Esler1985 Aaron Esler Young Man with Dove Portrait Vintage, 1985

20th Century Contemporary Figurative Prints

Alvar Sunol Munoz-RamosEarth-Toned Abstract Figurative Woman with Drinking Glasses 137/140, 20th Century

20th Century Figurative Prints

Stella SteynWoman with her Husband in the Garden by Stella Steyn, 1929 circa, 1929

1890s Art Nouveau Figurative Prints

Pal (Jean de Paléologue)"Rudge Cycles" authentic antique posters with tax stamps, 1898

Antique 1890s Prints

Common Dragonet - Graceful Hand-Coloured Scandinavian Fish Lithograph, 1895

1940s Symbolist More Prints

Marc ChagallDisrobing Her with His Own Hand..., from Four Tales from the Arabian Nights, 1948

1990s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Tracey EminEvery Bodies Been There (Signed twice with both printed AND rare hand signature), 1998

1970s Pop Art Abstract Prints

Claes OldenburgM. Mouse (with) 1 Ear (equals) Tea Bag Blackboard Version, 1973

1970s Pop Art Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

Robert IndianaRobert Indiana, Handwritten letter with original postmarked LOVE FDC, signed 2x, 1973

Early 1900s Tonalist Landscape Photography

Graham Sutherland
Beetles II (With Electric Lamp), 1968

Tom Wesselmann
Still Life with Fruit, from 1¢ Life, 1964

Raphael Soyer
Raphael Soyer "Woman With Her Suitcase" Litho, c. 1950, c. 1950

Otto Dix
Dame mit Reiher (Woman with a Tuft of Heron Feathers) /// German Expressionism, 1923

Alberto Giacometti
Giacometti Nu Aux Fleurs (Nude With Flowers) Limited Edition, Signed Print, 1960

Pierre-Auguste Renoir
L efant aux biscuit (Child with Cookie), 1899

Mihail Chemiakin
Still Life with Fish and Knife, 1980

Chloë Cheese
Still life with Blue Jug by Chloe Cheese, 1984 circa, 1984 circa

Peter Max
Flag with Heart on Blends

Marc Chagall
The Clown with Flowers, from 1963 Mourlot Lithographe II, 1963

David Hockney
David Hockney, Pool Made with Paper and Blue Ink for Book, 1980, 1980

Roy Lichtenstein
STILL LIFE WITH LOBSTER, 1974

Chuzo Tamotzu
Chuzo Tamotzu Litho, Southwestern Landscape with Donkeys Mission, c. 1950s

Julian Trevelyan
Harbour (from School Prints) - Trevelyan Print with Boats, Figures and Sea, 1946

Albert Al Hirschfeld
Charlie Chaplin with Flowers Hollywood Movie Star Oscar Legend Iconic Caricature, 1989

Philip Sutton
Fiji Rose, Graphic Blue and Red Colour Print with Flower, 1973, 1973

Red Grooms
1988 van Gogh with Sunflowers HAND SIGNED Limited Edition, 1988

Aaron Esler
1985 Aaron Esler Young Man with Dove Portrait Vintage, 1985

Alvar Sunol Munoz-Ramos
Earth-Toned Abstract Figurative Woman with Drinking Glasses 137/140, 20th Century

Stella Steyn
Woman with her Husband in the Garden by Stella Steyn, 1929 circa, 1929

Pal (Jean de Paléologue)
"Rudge Cycles" authentic antique posters with tax stamps, 1898

Marc Chagall
Disrobing Her with His Own Hand..., from Four Tales from the Arabian Nights, 1948

Tracey Emin
Every Bodies Been There (Signed twice with both printed AND rare hand signature), 1998

Claes Oldenburg
M. Mouse (with) 1 Ear (equals) Tea Bag Blackboard Version, 1973

Robert Indiana
Robert Indiana, Handwritten letter with original postmarked LOVE FDC, signed 2x, 1973

Pierre-Auguste Renoir
La Pierre au Trois Croquis (The Stone with Three Sketches), 1904, 1904

Richard Smith
Florentine 2, Abstract Yellow and Orange Print on White with Mixed Media, 1973, 1973

Wang Yuan-Chi
"Pavillon with Distant Mountain" by Wang Yuan-chi, Printed in Italy., 1979

Henri Hayden
Nature morte a la théière (Still life with a Teapot) by Henri Hayden, 1970, 1970

Henri Hayden
Nature morte a la Pipe (Still life with a Pipe) by Henri Hayden, 1968, 1968

Marc Chagall
Lovers With Red Sun, 1960

Howard Kanovitz
Looking at Me, photorealist art Signed twice with heart drawing and inscription, 1981

Peter Max
Angel with Heart (unique mixed media on paper), 2009

Peter Max
Flag with Heart (unique mixed media on paper), 2009

Alvar Sunol Munoz-Ramos
"Gray with Dove" 54/100 Cubist Mother Child Bird Blue Earth Tones Peaceful

Howard Hodgkin
Here We Are In Croydon by Howard Hodgkin, Lithography with Hand Colouring, 1979, 1979