What Does a Commissioned Lithograph Mean?

A lithograph is a type of print that was first used in the 18th century.

A lithograph is a type of print that was first used in the 18th century. Lithography is now widely used to reproduce many different kinds of texts or images and is also a recognized artistic technique. A commissioned lithograph refers to a lithograph that has either been specially commissioned from a particular image, or an image specifically intended to create lithographs.

Technique

Lithography takes advantage of the stickiness of printer's ink and the way in which it repels water. An image is created in water-resistant material, such as waxy crayon on a flat limestone surface or metal plate. It is then bathed in water making everything except for the drawing wet. Printer's ink is applied that sticks to the drawing but not to the water. A piece of paper is then laid on top and sent through a press leaving an image imprinted on the paper.

Artist Commissioning

An artist might commission a lithograph if he wishes to sell prints of a painting. The print will typically be numbered and signed in order to increase its value. The idea being that as the lithograph was commissioned by the artist it is very close to the original.

Commissioned Images

Some images are commissioned specifically for lithograph reproduction. This is especially true of comic images that will later be mass produced.

References

• ArtLex: Lithography
• Masterworks Fine Art: Lithography
• Oaks Fine Art: Stone Lithograph editions
• Comics.HA.com: Carl Barks' Disney Ducks