Lithography Print for Sale
Lithography is a printing technique which allows for the creation and reproduction of a design drawn in ink or in pencil on a stone (often limestone), using a press. The technique first appeared at the end of the 18th century in Germany and quickly became popular across Europe throughout the 19th century. Although the supports it uses and the way it is used have considerably changed, it is still a commonly used process today. Lithography uses a chemical process which is based on the immiscibility of water and oil. The image is drawn directly onto the stone slate using ink or a wax pencil or 'transferred' using transfer paper. The limestone is then moistened and covered with a greasy ink. As the ink is hydrophobic, it only adheres to the lines of the drawing and is repelled by the wet areas. Paper is then applied to the stone slate and pressed.
Over time, this technique was adapted to new supports other than stone, such as zinc and aluminium. In the 19th century in particular, lithography was used for a whole host of different purposes. In newspaper publishing, its quick production rate made it a popular choice for printing news illustrations, where being the first to publish a new story is still a top priority. Lithography is also used for more commercial purposes (stickers, printing sheet music) as well as an artistic form of expression.
We are of course most interested in looking at how this technique has been used artistically. It has two main functions. The first is as an artistic medium; artists like Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec worked with lithography to create several copies of an original piece, whereas other artists use it as a way of copying their works. Highly fashionable at the time, we can still see numerous Art Nouveau and Art Deco inspired lithographs today.
Lithography can produce typographic and artistic creations in a short space of time. It allows artists to reproduce original drawings very easily. It also gives the artist the opportunity to explore an endless number of creative possibilities and explore an infinite array of styles.
In the 20th century, lithography was commonly used to create exhibition posters and by-products which were often created by the artists themselves. Miro and Picasso for example created a large number of posters using this technique.
Today, only artistic lithography remains. In a similar way to photography or engraving, lithographs come in multiple examples. The market value varies depending on the artist's popularity and the quality of the print, but also depending on the number of copies that exist. It is important for the buyer to know the number attributed to the lithograph and the total number of copies made, as detailed in the 'certificate of authenticity' which helps to prevent fraudulent copies.
When looking through Artsper, you will find lithographs from some of the 20th century's biggest names, including (Niki de Saint Phalle, Andy Warhol, Roy Lichtenstein, Jean Cocteau, Victor Vasarely, Salvador Dali, Zao Wou-Ki...) but also from famous contemporary artists such as Hervé Télémaque, Yan Pein Ming and many others. All of the lithographs sold by Artsper have been carefully chosen. Artsper only selects works which come from limited editions with a maximum of 300 examples or which have been signed by the artist.
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28 Millimètres, Face 2 Face, Separation Wall, Security fence, Palestinian side, Bethlehem, 2007
JR
Print - 70 x 100 x 0.2 cm Print - 27.6 x 39.4 x 0.1 inch
€2,000
Les Caprices Pinces Princiers (Frank Hunter Authenticated)
Salvador Dali
Print - 55.9 x 74.9 x 0.3 cm Print - 22 x 29.5 x 0.1 inch
€2,272
New York city ballet, paper interactions 13, 2014
JR
Print - 100 x 70 cm Print - 39.4 x 27.6 inch
€1,020
28 Millimètres, Women are Heroes, Action in Phnom Penh, Open Eyes, Cambodge, 2023
JR
Print - 50 x 70 cm Print - 19.7 x 27.6 inch
€720
Deux cubes prismes
Victor Vasarely
Print - 48.5 x 75.8 x 0.2 cm Print - 19.1 x 29.8 x 0.1 inch
€2,000
Arbre Central à l'orange
Pierre Alechinsky
Print - 77 x 61 x 0.1 cm Print - 30.3 x 24 x 0 inch
€2,500
Les Valeurs Personnelles
René Magritte
Print - 58 x 78 x 0.2 cm Print - 22.8 x 30.7 x 0.1 inch
€1,400
The World of Currier & Ives
Salvador Dali
Print - 83 x 63 x 1 cm Print - 32.7 x 24.8 x 0.4 inch
€990
Centenari certre excursionista
Joan Miró
Print - 82 x 63 x 0.5 cm Print - 32.3 x 24.8 x 0.2 inch
€3,700
Discover the styles & movements
Discover the selection of our experts
The Wrinkles of the city, La Havana, Antonio Cruz Gordillo
JR
Print - 100 x 70 x 0.2 cm Print - 39.4 x 27.6 x 0.1 inch
€1,900
Le Chef-d'Oeuvre ou les Mystères de l'Horizon
René Magritte
Print - 45 x 60 x 0.1 cm Print - 17.7 x 23.6 x 0 inch
€780
Radiographie mentale (rehaussée)
Ladislas Kijno
Print - 76 x 56 x 0.2 cm Print - 29.9 x 22 x 0.1 inch
€1,200
Cactus, lithographie originale
Tony Soulié
Print - 90 x 76 x 0.5 cm Print - 35.4 x 29.9 x 0.2 inch
€900
Need help with Lithography Print ?
What exactly is a lithograph?
A lithograph is a work of art created by printing from a stone or metal plate, on which the artist draws with a grease pencil. This technique allows for the production of multiple original, numbered, and signed copies.
How to recognize a lithograph from a print?
A lithograph often has a slight texture and ink variations, while a digital print is perfectly smooth and uniform. Hand-signing and numbering are also indicators of an authentic lithograph.
Does a lithograph have value?
Yes, a lithograph can be valuable, especially if it is signed, numbered, and produced by a recognized artist. Its value depends on its rarity, quality of execution, and the artist's reputation.
What is the difference between a painting and a lithograph?
A painting is an original work made by hand, while a lithograph is a print obtained by printing from a stone or an engraved plate, allowing several numbered copies to be produced.