A Lithograph is a type of print - and a form of fine art printmaking using metal plates on rollers. It is the common method used for books & newspapers.

When artists create lithographic prints however it is commonly done the older way with limestone blocks which gave it its name, lithos means ‘stone’.

Lithography rely on the natural repulsion between oil and water, the process is capable of fine work and large print runs. As this repulsive force does not wear out parts of a plate virtually unlimited copies can be made.

The artist draws on the stone with a greasy crayon and then the stone is prepared subsequently so that when the stone is saturated in water oily ink rolled on wont stick where the water is but does adhere to the greasy crayon and provides the printed image after passing through the printmaking press. The process is capable of beautiful effects as demonstrated in the work of Lautrec.

For further links & information on Lithographic Prints see: Printmaking Papers or Printmaking Supplies.