The Genius of Lithography

The Genius of Lithography celebrates the new printmaking technique (invented in 1798) that revolutionized illustration and enabled the reproduction of images at a reasonable cost, since numerous impressions can be printed from the lithographic stone. Artists liked the medium's flexibility: while rich blacks could be achieved for shadows, and every tone of gray was possible, a sharp point could scratch white highlights into dark areas.

A vertically oriented print in grainy black ink depicts two figures with light skin tones behind a stone ledge. On our left, a shirtless winged figure with a flame above their curly hair holds a stylus. To our right, a figure in a draped gown, back turned, points at a list of names. In the foreground, a printing roller, seal, and stacked books sit on a ledge. French text is inscribed across the background wall.

The Genius of Lithography

1819

Nicolas Henri Jacob

(French, 1782–1871)

France, 19th century

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