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 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 4

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 5

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 6

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 7

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 8

What is a lithograph poster?

Accepted Answer

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Question 9

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 10

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 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

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 13

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 14

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 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 lithograph and a giclée?

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 17

Are lithographs worth investing in?

Accepted Answer

Many art lovers believe that lithographs are worth investing in. Lithographs tend to be more painterly than other printing techniques, and many postwar and contemporary painters have collaborated with lithographic workshops to push their practices in new directions. Collectors of lithographs can add prints from a wide range of artists to their collections. Some artists known for working with the technique include Théodore Gericault, Eugène Delacroix, Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec, Honoré Daumier, Henri Matisse, Alphonse Mucha and M.C. Escher.

However, whether or not it’s worth investing in lithographs is totally subjective! At 1stDibs, we believe in buying what you love. Our shopping experience enables discovery and learning, whether you are a seasoned connoisseur or just beginning your collection.

Find lithographs and other art prints on 1stDibs.

Question 18

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 19

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 20

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.

Set Of Lithographs

Early 20th Century Figurative Drawings and Watercolors

"Compartiment de Dames Seules" Folio Set Of 36 Hand-Colour Fashion Plates

Mid-20th Century Abstract Abstract Prints

Lucio FontanaLucio Fontana Untitled set of 4 (Concetto Spaziale)

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonGreat North Diver Bird: Original 19th C. 1st Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

1890s Modern Figurative Prints

Odilon RedonLa Tentation de Saint Antoine, Lithographs by O. Redon - 1896, 1896

Mid-18th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonCanada Goose: an Original 1st Edition Hand Colored Audubon Bird Lithograph, 1840

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonSora Rail Bird Family: Original 19th C. 1st Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840-44

1990s Contemporary Portrait Prints

Elizabeth CatlettPLAYMATES Signed Lithograph, For My People by Margaret Walker, Black Children, 1992

1990s Contemporary Portrait Prints

Elizabeth CatlettSECOND GENERATION Signed Lithograph, For My People by Margaret Walker, Protest, 1992

Antique Late 19th Century English Prints

John Gould - Herons set of four, framed

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonJackall Fox: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1856

Late 19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonNight Heron Birds: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1870

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonDusky Squirrel: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Early 2000s Contemporary Figurative Prints

Yue MinjunPaean on Grassland, Yue Minjun - Art, Lithograph, Limited Edition, China, Print, 2009

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonCamas Rat (Gopher): An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by Audubon, 1849-1854

1980s Pop Art Prints and Multiples

(after) Keith HaringKeith Haring 1987-1996: set of 30 announcements (Keith Haring pop shop), 1987-1996

2010s Young British Artists (YBA) Portrait Prints

Tracey EminThese Feelings Were True -Emin, Contemporary, YBAs, Lithograph, Blue, Portrait, 2020

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonFlorida Rat Family: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by Audubon, 1849-1854

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonCanada Lynx: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonCanada Porcupine: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Late 19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonGolden Eagle: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1870

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonVirginian Deer: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonYellow-belied Marmot: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonSea Otter: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonWhite Weasel Sloat: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by Audubon, 1849-1854

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonSwift Fox: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Antique 1830s Scottish Folk Art Prints

Set of 6 Large Original Antique Prints of Birds of Prey, C.1835

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonScolopaceous Courlan: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1856

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonAmerican Coot: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1856

1970s Pop Art Sculptures

Daido MoriyamaSigned Daido Moriyama skate decks: set of 2 works ( Daido Moriyama photography), 2019

1980s Cubist Figurative Prints

(after) Georges BraqueLe Char De Médée - after Georges Braque - Lithograph - 1988 - Figurative Print, 1988

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonRed-cockaded Woodpecker: A First Octavo Edition Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonBlack-throated Diver: Original 1st Edition Hand Colored Audubon Bird Lithograph, 1840

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonRed-throated Diver Bird: Original First Edition Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James Audubon"Texan Lynx": An Original Audubon 19th Century Hand-Colored Quadruped Lithograph, 1849-1856

1970s Surrealist Abstract Prints

Joan MiróMiró Lithographe I - Plate IV - Original Lithograph by J. Mirò - 1972, 1972

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James Audubon"Little Harvest Mouse": A Framed Original Audubon Hand-colored Folio Lithograph, 1845

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonHare Indian Dog: An Original 19th Century Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1854

1980s Pop Art Still-life Prints

Jim DineThe Astra Tool /// Contemporary Pop Art Jim Dine Wrench Lithograph Colorful NY, 1985

Mid-19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

John James AudubonAmerican Bittern: An Original 1st Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1840

Late 19th Century Naturalistic Animal Prints

Lucio Fontana
Lucio Fontana Untitled set of 4 (Concetto Spaziale)

John James Audubon
Great North Diver Bird: Original 19th C. 1st Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

Odilon Redon
La Tentation de Saint Antoine, Lithographs by O. Redon - 1896, 1896

John James Audubon
Canada Goose: an Original 1st Edition Hand Colored Audubon Bird Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
Sora Rail Bird Family: Original 19th C. 1st Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840-44

Elizabeth Catlett
PLAYMATES Signed Lithograph, For My People by Margaret Walker, Black Children, 1992

Elizabeth Catlett
SECOND GENERATION Signed Lithograph, For My People by Margaret Walker, Protest, 1992

John James Audubon
Jackall Fox: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1856

John James Audubon
Night Heron Birds: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1870

John James Audubon
Dusky Squirrel: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

Yue Minjun
Paean on Grassland, Yue Minjun - Art, Lithograph, Limited Edition, China, Print, 2009

John James Audubon
Camas Rat (Gopher): An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by Audubon, 1849-1854

(after) Keith Haring
Keith Haring 1987-1996: set of 30 announcements (Keith Haring pop shop), 1987-1996

Tracey Emin
These Feelings Were True -Emin, Contemporary, YBAs, Lithograph, Blue, Portrait, 2020

John James Audubon
Florida Rat Family: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Canada Lynx: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Canada Porcupine: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Golden Eagle: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1870

John James Audubon
Virginian Deer: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Yellow-belied Marmot: An Original 19th C. Hand-colored Lithograph by J. Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Sea Otter: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
White Weasel Sloat: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Swift Fox: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by John J. Audubon, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Scolopaceous Courlan: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1856

John James Audubon
American Coot: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1856

Daido Moriyama
Signed Daido Moriyama skate decks: set of 2 works ( Daido Moriyama photography), 2019

(after) Georges Braque
Le Char De Médée - after Georges Braque - Lithograph - 1988 - Figurative Print, 1988

John James Audubon
Red-cockaded Woodpecker: A First Octavo Edition Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
Black-throated Diver: Original 1st Edition Hand Colored Audubon Bird Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
Red-throated Diver Bird: Original First Edition Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
"Texan Lynx": An Original Audubon 19th Century Hand-Colored Quadruped Lithograph, 1849-1856

Joan Miró
Miró Lithographe I - Plate IV - Original Lithograph by J. Mirò - 1972, 1972

John James Audubon
"Little Harvest Mouse": A Framed Original Audubon Hand-colored Folio Lithograph, 1845

John James Audubon
Hare Indian Dog: An Original 19th Century Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1854

Jim Dine
The Astra Tool /// Contemporary Pop Art Jim Dine Wrench Lithograph Colorful NY, 1985

John James Audubon
American Bittern: An Original 1st Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
Buff-breasted Merganser: Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1870

John James Audubon
Curlew Bird and Charleston, SC: Original 1st Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

Elizabeth Catlett
TO MARRY Signed Lithograph, For My People by Margaret Walker, Bride and Groom, 1992

John James Audubon
Yellow-breasted Rail Bird: Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
Red-shafted Woodpecker: A First Octavo Edition Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
"King Duck": An Original First Octavo Edition Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1840

John James Audubon
Black or Silver Fox: An Original 19th Century Hand-colored Lithograph by Audubon, 1849-1856

John James Audubon
Marsh Hare: Original 19th Century 1st Octavo Ed. Audubon Hand-colored Lithograph, 1849-1854

John James Audubon
Male Whooping Crane: An Original 19th C. Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1840-1844

John James Audubon
"Northern Meadow Mouse" an Audubon Hand Colored by J.T. Bowen Lithograph, 1849-1854

Andy Warhol
Rare Andy Warhol Record Cover Art set of 4 (Andy Warhol album art), 1982-1986

Antony Gormley
Antony Gormley Horizon Field (box set of two signed monographs held in slipcase), 2011

John James Audubon
Hudsonian Godwit 19th C. 1st Octavo Edition Audubon Hand-colored Bird Lithograph, 1840