How is a Lithograph Created?Ī Lithograph is created when a piece of stone or other material is used to print with grease and water. The inks on hand lithography appear richer in color, with random dot patterns. You can look at the print under a magnifying glass to tell if it is an offset lithograph or hand lithography. The word lithography comes from the Greek word “lithos,” meaning “stones” and the word “graphien,” which stands for “to write.” An image is designed on a limestone or metal plate and applied to the surface. Lithography is a method of repeatable printing that dates to as far back as 1796.
The process involves using a metal plate or flat stone to apply an artistic design to a flat surface. Lithography is a printing process that is popular for auction purchases.