Lithography

Lithography, form of printing used in both fine art and in commercial printing, invented by Aloys Senefelder in Germany c.1798. The technique consists of making a drawing in reverse on the surface of a stone, usually limestone, with an ink containing grease. When the grease has penetrated the stone, the drawing is washed off with water. The grease resists the water, but will accept ink, which is spread over the moist stone. The stone is then used to print the drawing. In the United States, lithographic artists include A.B. Davies, George Bellows, and Currier & Ives.

See also: Printing; Senefelder, Alois.