The lithography It is an artistic technique with centuries of history that has managed to adapt to the passage of time without losing its essence. Although today we live with digital printing and advanced technologies, lithography continues to arouse admiration among collectors, artists and lovers of graphic art. But do we really know what lithography is and why it continues to be so valued?
In this article, we will delve into the fascinating world of lithography: what it is, how it is made, what its history is and why it continues to be so relevant.
Lithography: what it is and why you should know about this technique
When we ask ourselves what lithography is, we are talking about an artistic printing technique based on the repulsion between water and fat. The term comes from the Greek stone (stone) and graphein (to write), that is, “to write on stone”.
Lithography is a form of graphic art that allows images drawn directly onto a limestone or metal plate to be reproduced. This process was invented in 1796 by Alois Senefelder, a German playwright who was looking for an economical way to publish his works. What began as a practical solution ended up becoming an artistic revolution.
Meaning of lithography
Understanding the meaning of lithography takes us beyond a simple reproduction technique. Unlike digital methods, authentic lithography involves the direct intervention of the artist throughout the process. Every stroke, every texture and every nuance is part of the creator's soul, which is captured on the surface with precision and dedication.
That's why, when we talk about artistic lithography, we are not talking about worthless copies, but about multiple original works, each of them carefully created and signed by the artist.
Lithography techniques: how to make a lithograph step by step
However, if we delve into the technical process, we will see that making a lithograph is an art in itself. It is not simply “printing”; it is creating from the material, respecting tradition.
How is a lithograph made?
Let's see step by step how a traditional lithography is made:
Preparing the stone or plate
The traditional base for lithography is limestone, although metal plates (such as aluminum) are also used. The surface must be perfectly smooth and porous. It is meticulously polished to remove any imperfections that could alter the drawing.
Drawing with oily materials
The artist draws directly on the stone using grease pencils or special inks. This is where the magic begins. The grease from the drawing soaks into the stone and acts as a base for the printing process.
Chemical treatment
Once the drawing is complete, a solution of gum arabic and nitric acid is applied to fix the drawn areas and prepare the surface. This stage is crucial, as it ensures that only the greasy areas accept the ink in the subsequent process.
Inked
The stone is moistened and then a roller with greasy ink is passed over it. Since water and grease repel each other, the ink adheres only to the drawn parts, while the undrawn (wet) areas reject it.
Printing
A sheet of paper is placed on the stone and pressed with a lithographic press. The result is a faithful impression of the original drawing.
If the artist decides to make a limited edition, each copy will be printed individually, maintaining the quality and authenticity that characterize the original lithograph.
Artistic lithographs
At Amacreama, we understand the value of authenticity. That's why each of our lithographic prints is handcrafted following the traditional principles of lithography.
We do not mass produce. Each sheet is unique, making it an exclusive piece, ideal for collectors or for those who want to have real art in their spaces.
In addition, our lithographs are printed on high-quality papers, carefully selected to highlight the richness of the strokes and preserve the work over time.
We know that those who come to us are looking for something more than decoration: they are looking for a connection with authentic art, with the manual process, with history. And that is exactly what we offer.
Why choose lithography instead of digital printing?
Nowadays, where almost everything is instant, choosing a lithographic work is a commitment to quality, history and authenticity. There are no automatic filters or identical repetitions. Each step has been carried out by expert hands who master a technique with more than two centuries of history.
A lithograph is not just a work of art, it is also a cultural and emotional investment. It connects us to an artisanal past, with a way of doing things that focuses on detail and intention.
In addition, a lithograph adds great aesthetic value to any space. Whether in your living room, in an office or as a gift, it represents a gesture of appreciation for well-made art.
Rediscovering lithography in the modern world
Ultimately, the lithography It is an artistic technique with history, soul and timeless beauty. Through this journey we have understood what lithography is, how it is made and why it continues to be such a valued option among art lovers.
From its origins on stone to our editions, lithography maintains its essence: respect for the process, the search for beauty and direct contact between artist and work.
If you are thinking about acquiring an authentic, lasting and meaningful work, we encourage you to explore our collections. Discover our original lithographic plates and bring a unique expression of traditional art into your home.