Welcome to our lithograph collection, where you can explore a fascinating world of printed images from the earliest techniques to contemporary innovations. Lithographs are works of art created by printing from a stone (lithos in Greek) or a metal plate with a smooth surface. This art combines rigorous technical skills with a wide range of artistic expression, enabling artists to produce works with a remarkable wealth of detail and nuance.
History and development of lithography
Lithography was invented at the end of the 18th century by Alois Senefelder in Germany. It quickly spread throughout Europe, becoming a popular means of reproducing works of art, posters, books and musical scores. In the 19th century, it became one of the main means of visual communication thanks to its ability to produce images en masse.
Lithography in the 19th century
During the 19th century, lithography enjoyed a golden age, particularly in the creation of advertising posters and popular images. Artists such as Jules Chéret and Henri de Toulouse-Lautrec used the technique to produce vibrantly coloured posters that captured the spirit of the Belle Époque in Paris.
20th century and contemporary lithography
In the 20th century, modernist and contemporary artists such as Pablo Picasso, Salvador Dalí and Joan Miró adopted lithography to explore new artistic avenues. These artists were attracted by the creative possibilities offered by lithography, in particular the ability to work in colour and to produce multiple editions.
Techniques and process
Lithography is based on the principle that water and oil do not mix. The artist draws with grease pencils or special inks on a limestone or metal plate. The surface is then chemically treated to fix the image. During the printing process, the stone is moistened, and only the inked parts repel the water and accept the printing ink, which is then transferred to the paper under pressure.
Our collection
Our collection offers an exploration of lithography through different periods and styles. You'll find rare antique lithographs, groundbreaking modern pieces and innovative contemporary works. Each piece is accompanied by a detailed description of its history, technique and artistic significance.
We invite you to explore this exceptional collection and discover the countless ways in which artists have used lithography to express their unique vision of the world. This exploration is an opportunity to see how an ancient medium continues to adapt and thrive in the contemporary art world, always offering new ways of seeing and understanding our visual environment.
We hope you enjoy this immersion in the art of lithography and that you will return often to explore the new acquisitions and temporary exhibitions we regularly organise. Join us in celebrating the history and beauty of lithography.
