Sn-pierre-auguste-renoir

Pierre-Auguste Renoir 60 graphic works: 25 etchings and 35 lithographs = Complete Set of Prints Anonymous Collector wishes to remain Anonymous (February 25, 1841–December 3, 1919) Lithography was invented by Bavarian author Alois Senefelder in 1796 Renoir's prints in the museum are from 1878-1912 Andy Warhol's prints of soup / coca cola / marilyn monroe were made in the 1960ies So, Renoir was using a technique invented a 100 years before; while Warhol took advantage 150 years later.

Lithography Principles: Lithography works because of the repulsion of oil and water. The image is drawn on the surface of the print plate with an oil-based medium (hydrophobic). The range of oil-based mediums is endless, but the dexterity of the image relies on the lipid content of the material being used--its ability to withstand water and acid. Following the placement of the image is the application of an acid emulsified with gum arabic. The function of this emulsion is to create a salt layer directly around the image area. The salt layer seeps into the pores of the stone, completely enveloping the original image. This process is called etching. Using lithographic turpentine, the printer then removes the greasy drawing material, leaving only the salt layer; it is this salt layer which holds the skeleton of the image's original form. When printing, the stone or plate is kept wet with water. Naturally the water is attracted to the layer of salt created by the acid wash. Ink that bears a high lipid content is then rolled over the surface. The water repels the grease in the ink and the only place for it to go is the cavity left by the original drawing material. When the cavity is sufficiently full, the stone and paper are run through a press which applies even pressure over the surface, transferring the ink to the paper and off the stone.